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An Inventory of the Criticisms of High-Speed Rail - January 2012
This report is the summary of extensive research that examined the criticism that has been leveled over the past three years at the national efforts to improve intercity passenger rail and introduce true high-speed passenger rail in the United States. The report defines eight broad categories of criticism of high-speed rail and offers several counterarguments to each.
The Case for Business Investment in Public Transportation - December 2011
This report focuses on key issues critical to private investors as they consider investments or future expansion into the public transportation industry. Investment questions typically focus on transit financing, sources, process, and dependability, funding targets for investments, and funding needs.
An Analysis of Proposed U.S. House of Representatives Actions and Their Impact on Public Transportation - September 2011
This report analyzes the impact of a one-third cut in federal public transportation spending propsed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The report estimates that 620,000 jobs would be lost over the course of a six-year authorization period as a result of the cuts. The report also includes survey responses from APTA member transit agencies and businesses.
Light Rail Vehicle Request for Proposals (RFP) Procurement Guidelines - July 2011
This is the first edition of the APTA standard light rail vehicle procurement guideline including both procurement terms and conditions and technical specifications. Please provide feedback to APTA on how it worked and what changes might be needed. Transit agencies and their vehicle consultants are requested to let APTA staff know when they are using the document. APTA staff contacts are Fran Hooper (fhooper@apta.com) for procurement issues and Martin Schroeder (mschroeder@apta.com) for technical specification issues.
Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies: Update - August 2011
The Case for Business Investment in High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail - March 2011
This report focuses on key issues critical to private investors as they consider investments or future expansion into business serving growing passenger rail markets. It highlights national and international trends, the market potential in the U.S. future funding sources, and the need for public support
Potential Impact of Gasoline Price Increases on U.S. Public Transportation Ridership, 2011-2012 - March 2011
This study examines several sources that detail varying elasticities between gas prices and public transportation ridership. It uses those sources to predict the impact that rising gas prices will have on public transportation ridership, using APTA's 2010 ridership figures as a baseline.
Business Member Economic Outlook for 2011 - February 2011
High-Speed Rail Investment Background Data - February 2011
Definitions of categories of high-speed rail are presented with a history of federal laws supporting high-speed rail. Historical and projected growth trends of passenger trips, vehicles, and agencies for all types passenger rail are calculated. High-speed rail policy, plan, and need statements from APTA and other organizations are described. Summaries of research detailing high-speed rail land use impact, energy use and emissions reduction, and economic benefits are presented.
The Route to Carbon and Energy Savings - November 2010
This report identifies a portfolio of strategies that transit agencies can take to reduce the energy use and GHG emissions of their operations and estimates the potential impacts of those strategies in 2030 and 2050. Using interviews and current literature, a portfolio of 17 high-priority strategies were selected for analysis based on their potential for reducing GHG emissions over the medium and long term.
Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines 2011 - October 2010
This completely updated specification replaces previous versions of the White Book and provides details for the procurement of buses 30 feet to articulated bus lengths and multiple propulsion and fuel types. This document contains language for a full RFP including Terms and Conditions and Technical specifications.
Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits - June 2010
This report by Todd Litman investigates ways that public transportation affects human health, and ways to incorporate these impacts into transport policy and planning decisions. This research indicates that public transit improvements and more transit oriented development can provide large but often overlooked health benefits.
Primer on Transit Funding - June 2010
SAFETEA-LU is the current authorizing law which establishes authority to appropriate General Revenues and to spend trust fund monies through limitations on obligations, for highways and transit, on an annual basis from Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 through FY 2009. It includes a detailed explanation of SAFETEA-LU and historical federal transit funding levels.
Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies - March 2010
This report, based on a March 2010 survey, provides a national perspective on the extent to which the current recession is affecting public transit agencies and the tens of millions of Americans who use their services.
Funding the Public Transportation Needs of an Aging Population - March 2010

Analysis Tool in Excel for the Funding the Public Transportation Needs of an Aging Population report

Public Transportation: Moving America Forward - January 2010
This overview highlights the many benefits of public transportation for individuals and communities. The economic, environmental and social benefits of public transit are detailed. It includes the latest statistics and examples to illustrate the benefits.

Members: up to 25 free/$0.50 each for 26+, Nonmembers: $1.00, Hard copy available in the APTA bookstore.