Texas Transit Association

11/06/2012

Public Transportation Responds to New Challenges

U.S. DOT’s National Infrastructure Security Committee brings together the transportation industry, labor unions and the government to examine security systems, set national standards and ensure protection for transportation assets. Major public transportation systems are implementing scanners and detectors to respond to bio-terrorist attacks or chemical accidents.

Enhanced safety and security measures are being implemented, including increased and greater visibility of security personnel, removal of receptacles that could hide dangerous packages, and increased public awareness through the Transit Watch program with calls to passengers to be alert for suspicious activities and packages.

11/06/2012

Public Transportation Responds to Emergencies When Crisis Strikes

When terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train system and the MTA in New York saved lives by evacuating passengers and transporting rescue workers quickly and efficiently. After the attack on the Pentagon, Metrorail and public transit in Washington D.C. transported injured persons and operated at emergency levels to transport people out of the area. Throughout the country, transit systems evacuated people from airports in major cities and kept America moving during suspension of air service.

When hurricanes threaten the Gulf coast, Texas transit systems are activated to provide emergency evacuation and assistance with emergency systems.

11/06/2012

Freedom and Security

Public transportation provides Americans with freedom to live their lives, pursue opportunities, make choices, and enjoy grater mobility. It helps create neighborhoods that are strong, an environment that is clean, and an economy that is prosperous. Ensuring this freedom requires safety and security. That is why every public transportation system in America has made the safety and security of passengers a top priority.

11/06/2012

Public Transportation Supports the Community

During emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes, and fires, public transit comes to the rescue of the public and workers alike.

Vinyl wraps around buses promote community events, organizations, and public service messages.

Public transportation provides special service to community events such as Christmas shopping, special tours, and concerts. Special programs are conducted for groups in need of discounts or adjusted fares.

11/06/2012

Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities for Communities

For every dollar taxpayers invest in public transportation, at least $6 is generated in economic return.

In the first year, a sustained program of transit capital investment will generate an increase of $800,000 in personal income for each $10 million invested. These benefits increase to $18 million for personal income after 20 years.

For each $10 million invested in transit capital funding, 314 jobs are created.

For every $10 million invested in public transportation, more than $15 million is saved in transportation costs.

For every $10 million invested in public transportation, a $30 million gain in sales for local businesses can be achieved.

On average, government can achieve a 4 to 16 percent gain in revenues from transit investment.

See: American Public Transportation Association (APTA), The Benefits of Public Transportation: An Overview.

11/06/2012

Public Transportation Provides Economic for Individuals

American families spent 18% of household spending on transportation, making it the second largest household expenditure after housing. Public transportation can significantly reduce the amount of money a family spends getting to work, school and other activities.

The high cost of driving, insuring and parking a car results in a reduction in individual economic opportunities. It can make it hard for many to access high quality and high paying jobs. Public transportation provides an affordable, and for many a necessary alternative to driving.

11/06/2012

Opportunity

Public transportation creates a wealth of new opportunities for individuals and communities. It is a catalyst for economic and social opportunities that help make America more efficient and productive.

11/06/2012

How Many Public Transportation Providers Are There?

Eight metropolitan transit systems, thirty-nine rural transit districts, and thirty-three urban transit districts operate in Texas.

For purposes of coordination in Texas, HB 3588 expanded the definition of public transportation to include those systems or private, for-private companies which receive public funds for transportation, even those under a contractual relationship.

11/06/2012

How large is America’s Public Transportation Industry?

America’s public transportation systems directly employ more than 351,000 workers.

More than 139,000 vehicles are in active service within the U.S. public transportation fleet. Of these buses represent 56%; demand response vehicles, 26%; heavy rail cars 8%; commuter rail cars 4%; light rail cars 1%; and all other modes 5%.

11/06/2012

Where Do People Go on Public Transportation?

Most trips, (54%) allow people to get to and from work.

Other uses for public transportation include: School and educational activities: 15%; Shopping: 9%; Social visits to family & Friends: 9%; Medical appointments: 5%; Other Trips: 8%; many trips are taken for multiple reasons.

11/06/2012

Who Uses Public Transportation?

Almost everyone uses public transportation at one time or another. In 2003, Americans took 9.4 billion trips using public transportation. Each weekday, approximately 31 million trips are taken each weekday in the US. After transfers and round trips, more than 14 million people use public transportation. Majority of transportation users are between the age of 19-64; persons under 18 compromise 8%, and riders aged 65 and over comprise 7%. Riders are almost equally divided between men and women.

11/06/2012

Fox 4 INVESTIGATION: MEDICAL PICKUP PROBLEMS

Texas taxpayers are shelling out about $30 million annually to drive the state’s sick and poor to the doctor. But is the state getting its money’s worth some complain they are not getting what the doctor ordered.

Watch the latest video clips from FOX 4 News on myFOXdfw.com.