Public transport up, vehicle miles down in US

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently announced that ridership of public transportation in 2008 was at its highest level in 52 years.

Americans took 10.7 billion trips via public transportation this year. This number represents a four percent increase over 2007. The increase can be traced to the high gas prices over the summer, as well as the worsening economic conditions in the fall and winter.

Increased public transportation ridership has led to a diminished number of cars on the road. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) decreased 3.6% in 2008, which represents a huge savings in greenhouse gas emissions.

Public transportation ridership is up 38% since 1995, which vastly outpaces the population growth in the same period (14%).

Switching to public transportation can save up to $8,000 per year, according to APTA, which is a substantial number in any time, but especially in this recessionary period.