Why public transit stays in the red

Journal Article · · J. Contemp. Stud.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5973604

Pickrell, D H

The rise in operating costs and deficits of public transit systems increased even more rapidly after 1973, when a long-term decline in ridership and service reversed. All levels of government responded with a willingness to raise assistance levels. It is important to determine whether heavy subsidization by state and federal agencies should remain a cornerstone of the nation's urban transportation policy. Four sources contributed to the deficits since 1970: escalation in unit operating expenditures accounting for the largest share, followed by increases in the levels of service provided, declining demand for transit travel, and fare reductions. Providing government assistance exclusively to operators of conventional mass transit service will not expand significantly the role they serve in the urban transit system. It also appears to discourage the innovations necessary to improve quality and variety. 27 references, 3 tables.

• OSTI ID: 5973604
• Journal Information: J. Contemp. Stud.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Contemp. Stud.; (United States) Vol. 7:3; ISSN JCSTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320200* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation
CHARGES
ECONOMICS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FINANCING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MASS TRANSIT SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE
SUBSIDIES
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
URBAN AREAS