In 2000, 4 billion transit vehicle-miles were operated. About 57 percent of the vehicle-miles were operated by bus, as bus ridership is almost 60 percent of total transit ridership. The reasons for the increased popularity in public transportation include a higher levels of public and private investment in public transportation.
Vehicle-miles (millions)
1999
2000
Total bus equivalent
4,675
4,788
Percent change from previous year
3.8
2.42
Bus
2,276
2,315
Percent change from previous year
4.64
1.71
Heavy rail
718
759
Percent change from previous year
7.00
5.71
Commuter rail
578
595
Percent change from previous year
2.12
2.94
Light rail
265.9
270.9
Percent change from previous year
2.46
1.88
Demand response
71
74
Percent change from previous year
7.58
4.26
Other
49
53
Percent change from previous year
11.36
8.16
Trolleybus
14
15
Percent change from previous year
4.41
7.14
NOTES: Demand Response- Non fixed-route service utilizing vans or buses with passenger boarding and alighting at prearranged times at any location within the system's service area. For definitions of other transit modes, please see page 32.
SOURCE: American Public Transportation Association, APTA 2001 Public Transportation Fact Book, 2000 numbers: personal communication.
