Earth Equity News

Transit Ridership Surges Nationally in 2nd Quarter. By Sarah Karush, AP, September 9, 2008. "The nation's public transportation systems logged a 5.2% jump in ridership in the second quarter, according to industry figures to be released Tuesday, as record-high gas prices pushed people to take millions more trips on buses and rail systems. Riders made a total of 2.8 billion trips on the nation's subways, buses, commuter railroads and light-rail systems from April to June, according to the Washington-based American Public Transportation Association. That's up from 2.7 billion in the same period last year... 'The irony is that just at a time when Americans need choice, need alternatives to higher-priced gasoline, 35 percent of transit systems are saying they may need to cut service,' association president William W. Millar said. His group is pushing for more federal funding for public transportation. In the meantime, transit agencies are looking at creative ways to meet the growing demand. In New York City, officials are planning to experiment with seatless subway cars next spring to squeeze in more riders. The cars would have only fold-down seats, all of which would be locked in the up position during rush hour. In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is using longer trains on the T and increasing the frequency of some bus and rail services."