Our nation has changed its opinion of public transportation. In the 2016 elections, voters approved nearly $170 billion in new funding for public transportation. Popular support for light rail, subways, buses and streetcars is proof Americans now perceive public transportation as more than a public service, operated for those who might have no other mobility option.Today, Americans view public transportation in a broader context: as an investment in economic growth, stronger business and a better quality of life – in addition to fulfilling its traditional role of providing basic mobility.Several key factors may be contributing to the shift in perspective:
The benefits of transit go far beyond transportation: Businesses thrive near transit stations, and commercial and residential real estate rise in value. This generates greater economic activity and jobs while increasing the tax base.
People want choice, so they can determine for themselves the most convenient, fastest, most efficient way to get from Point A to Point B.
With expanding rideshare services, emerging ride-hailing and the potential for autonomous vehicle options, more people have a lower-stress, modestly priced way to connect home to station.
When transit and rideshare options work in tandem, they can decrease demand for parking, thus freeing up land for more fruitful development.
Strong leadership among elected officials, transit CEOs, general managers, transit boards and others are reframing the public’s understanding of transit’s role.
Diana Mendes, AICP, is Mid-Atlantic Division president, senior vice president and leader transit/rail market sector for HNTB. Mendes recently received the 2017 Training Professional of the Year Award from the National Transit Institute. Her knowledge of industry issues makes her a sought-after speaker and resource for such national media outlets as Newsweek and USA Today.
Mendes has more than 31 years of experience in the transit industry and has served on multiple trade association boards and committees, including the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the American Public Transportation Association, the American Planning Association and the Women’s Transportation Seminar.
Selected HNTB thought leadership
A great start: Connecting transit agencies and transportation network companies
HNTB America THINKS survey, 2017, highlights Americans' opinions of public transit and its role beyond simply providing greater mobility
Why voters said 'yes' to public transportation on November 8
Squeezing success into urban spaces
Streetcars: How the modern version reinvigorates urban corridors
HNTB's Bus Rapid Transit brochure
Selected media
Streetsblog USA: Talking Headways Podcast: A Tombstone for NEPA
Metro Magazine: Design-build taking transit into the future
Metro Magazine: Bind the Gap: Resolving transit's first-and-last-mile challenge
Metro Magazine: Cooperation can advance positive train control
National Press Club: Transportation Experts Envision CIty of the Future
Metro Magazine: 2017 Consultant Roundtable: Industry Focused on Full Transportation Network Thinking, Finding Funding Solutions
Passenger Transport: Broadening the View: Holistic Planning and Partnerships Can Enhance Transit Capacity and Preserve Budgets
Radio media tour: Diana Mendes discusses first-and last-mile transit options and growing popularity of public transportation
USA Today: Airport Transit
Mass Transit magazine: Best Practices: Going to Ballot
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Uber gives subscriptions a test drive in the Philly region
Newsweek: Blurred (transit) lines: Apps like Uber are the new public transport
USA TODAY: Mass transit gets boost from ridesharing
The Hill: Why voters said 'yes' to public transportation on Nov. 8
Roads & Bridges: No. 4 - Honolulu Rail Transit Project