Record Number of Americans Used Public Transportation in 2013

According to statistics from the American Public Transportation Association, a record number of people in the United States rode public transit during 2013.

According to statistics from the American Public Transportation Association, a record number of people in the United States rode public transit during 2013.

People reportedly took 10 point 7 billion trips using public transportation like buses, trains, and light rail systems, which is the highest number since 1956.

Many cities across the country like Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York saw record high numbers of riders, and some had successful openings of new routes that now serve tens of thousands of people daily.

American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Michael Melaniphy is quoted as saying: “There is a fundamental shift going on in the way we move about our communities. People in record numbers are demanding more public transit services and communities are benefiting with strong economic growth.”

The statistics also say that the number of people riding public transportation has risen by 37 percent since 1995, while the population has only grown by just over 20 percent.

One explanation for the increase in public transportation use is the economic recovery that has more people commuting to and from work.