Transit & American Jobs

American businesses build public transit

77% of federal public transit investment flows to businesses.

Public transit generates jobs nationwide

Public transit relies on 2,000+ suppliers in all 50 states.

Investing in transit is investing in American jobs

Public transit is a $79 billion industry – directly employing 430,000 and supporting millions more jobs in the private sector.

Maintaining federal funding for public transportation isn’t just about mobility – it’s about preserving American jobs, protecting our technological edge, and ensuring continued economic growth.

In communities across America, workers earn competitive wages manufacturing buses, developing transit systems, and creating cutting-edge traffic solutions that our systems rely on.  Without sustained federal investment in public transportation, hundreds of thousands of skilled American workers face potential job displacement.  As Congress negotiates budgets for the year ahead, we need to continue to invest in public transit to sustain American jobs and innovation.

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Get The Facts: Public Transportation’s Economic Impact

With 77% of federal public transit funding flowing to the private sector, public transit keeps millions of hardworking Americans employed in jobs like manufacturing, construction, and engineering – fueling industries in all 50 states. The resources below show how investing in public transportation fuels job growth across the country.

Our Industry Footprint has the latest on the jobs supported by public transit in your state and district – from manufacturing to engineering. Enter your state or district in the search bar at the top of the page to see how public transportation benefits your area.

APTA Industry Footprint

Manufacturers across America are building the vehicles and equipment needed for public transportation, creating jobs, and growing local economies. The Bus Infographic illustrates where bus components are manufactured – see what your state is producing.

Bus Inforgraphic

Manufacturers across America are building the vehicles and equipment needed for public transportation, creating jobs, and growing local economies. The Rail Infographic illustrates where bus components are manufactured – see what your state is producing.

Rail Infographic

Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic returns. Learn more on how public transportation funding contributes to the economy in our Economic Impact Report.

Economic Impact Report

Read the Stories: See How Public Transportation Is Boosting Local Economies

The economic impact of public transportation is felt by everyone – from employees and businesses to families and communities.  Read the stories below to hear from real voices about the impact public transportation is making in their community.

Private businesses support public transportation in Germantown, WI.

Germantown, WI – As a Railway Industry Specialist at WAGO Cooperation, Nancy supports customers throughout the nation – from companies manufacturing railway cars to developers driving infrastructure advancements. 

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Atlanta’s public transit system is growing – and supporting thousands of jobs across the country. Antoine Hassan is one of them.

A bus mechanic at Laredo Garage, Antoine Hassan is just one of the 24,864 direct and indirect jobs supported annually by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), generating over $2 billion in annual economic activity.

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As a parts clerk, Leni isn’t just keeping Utah’s transit running smoothly – she’s helping keep its economy humming.

Leni is one of the 2,800 workers employed directly by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), connecting the mechanics who maintain UTA’s fleet with the parts and equipment that are manufactured in every corner of the United States.

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St. Cloud’s bus manufacturing facility creates jobs, supports the community

In St. Cloud, Minnesota, public transportation doesn’t just serve the people who ride it. The New Flyer bus factory, located in the heart of St. Cloud, fuels businesses, individuals, and families across the United States.

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