News Release

Report states that Transit Saved 541 Million Hours in Travel Delay in 2005

September 17, 2007

Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816

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“Congestion is a scourge on the United States wasting peoples’ time and money; decreasing productivity; creating frustrating and uncertain business and personal travel plans; and lowering our quality of life,” said American Public Transportation Association President William W. Millar.

The new congestion report, The 2007 Urban Mobility Report, released today by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), is clear – public transportation stands out as a proven strategy that helps alleviate traffic congestion and saves energy.  According to the report, in the 437 urban areas studied in 2005, public transportation saved 541 million hours in travel time and fuel usage would have been 340 million gallons greater. Without public transportation, congestion costs would have been $10.2 billion more in that year.

The TTI report finds that in the largest urban areas, where transit is most available and used, the savings are the greatest, demonstrating the value of public transportation investment.

“We need more and better public transportation,” said Millar.  “Unfortunately, public transportation is not readily available in all regions of the country. Only 53 percent of Americans say that they have access to any public transportation.”

Pointing out that even someone who never rides a bus or a train benefits from public transportation, Millar said, “A comprehensive public transportation system is something that everyone should support in their community as it helps to reduce congestion and saves energy.” 

“Finally, we need to make a national commitment to improve all modes of transportation.  America needs and deserves a world class transportation system.”

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.

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