New APTA Data Shows Public Transportation Drives Economic Growth, Creates Jobs, Powers U.S. Mobility

New APTA data released Sept. 4 highlights the growth and economic impact of the public transportation industry in the U.S., reinforcing the need for strong and consistent investment in public transportation systems nationwide.

APTA’s new 2025 Public Transportation Fact Book shows ridership reached 7.66 billion trips in 2024—a significant rebound from pandemic lows. This represents the fifth consecutive year of ridership growth. Public transportation is a $93.4 billion industry that directly employs more than 430,000 people and supports several million private-sector jobs, making it a key driver of economic activity in communities of all sizes.

“These numbers tell a story of resilience and growth, and why investment in public transit and passenger rail is essential,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Public transportation remains the backbone of economic mobility in communities across America, with 87 percent of trips directly impacting the economy by connecting people to work, retail, and entertainment opportunities.”

The data also reveals public transportation’s expanding role in supporting air travel and tourism, with 31 airports in 22 urbanized areas now connected to rail or BRT systems, facilitating seamless multimodal transportation for travelers and workers.

“As we look toward the future, these numbers reinforce that investment in public transportation is investment in America’s economic competitiveness,” said Skoutelas. “Every trip on public transportation supports local businesses, reduces traffic congestion, and provides transportation options that benefit entire communities.”

APTA also released its 2025 Q2 Ridership Report, showing that public transportation ridership was 7.3 percent higher in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the year before. Riders took more than 2 billion trips on public transportation in the quarter for the first time since 2020. Together, riders took 140 million more trips in the second quarter of 2025 than in the same quarter in 2024. Ridership has increased for five consecutive years.