Good times for transit agencies

More good news from Green Car Congress: US Mass Transit Ridership Increasing:

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reports that ridership of mass transit in the US is increasing in a number of metropolitan areas.

Transit organizations are reporting indications of ridership growth such as increased fare revenue, more crowded rail cars and buses, higher traffic on web sites, and more inquiries about vanpools.

Increased use of public transportation is the single most effective way to reduce AmericaÂ’s energy consumption, and it does not require any new taxes, government mandates or regulations. With todayÂ’s growing concern about energy security, transit is emerging as a critical part of the solution.

— APTA president William W. Millar

While high gas prices have contributed to the recent growth in ridership, numerous transit systems were seeing increases even before the gas prices started skyrocketing this summer.

I hope to be part of this trend, for many reasons that go beyond the price of gas. I want to commute by bike + BART a few days a week — partly to get out of the car, partly to get off the Bay Bridge, and partly to get another regular workout. If only I worked in SF, I'd commute by MUNI, drop our 2nd car, and sign up for Car Share. If only...