The Policy Development and Research Program at APTA produces a number of papers to help members and the public better understand critical issues affecting the public transportation industry.  Surveys are also periodically conducted of APTA transit industry members and summarized to provide a national perspective on key issues.  In many cases, these surveys are intended to inform legislative activities.  Recent products are shown below.

• Public Transportation Protects Americans From Gas Price Volatility - May 2012
  This paper highlights the role that public transit plays in protecting Americans from price volatility, as well as strategies that can buffer Americans from future gas price shocks.
• Economic Recovery: Promoting Growth - March 2012
• Rural Communities: Expanding Horizons - March 2012
• House Proposal Erodes Credit Ratings, Ties Hands of American Communities - February 2012
• New Appropriations Bill Saves Transit Jobs - December 2011
• An Analysis of Proposed U.S. House of Representatives Actions and Their Impact on Public Transportation - September 2011
• Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Businesses -- August 2011
• Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies: Update -- August 2011
• Business Member Economic Outlook for 2011 - February 2011
• Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies -- March 2010
• Challenge of State and Local Funding Constraints on Transit Systems: Effects on Service, Fares, Employment, and Ridership -- June 2009
• Rising Fuel Costs: Impacts on Transit Ridership and Agency Operations -- September 2008
• Impact of Rising Fuel Costs on Transit Service -- May 2008