The EcoOutlet ReUsed Corner se of the nation's public transit systems was up in 1997. Ridership for 1997 increased 2.8 percent over 1996, with Americans using public transit over eight billion times, according to the American Public Transit Association. That's good news for all of us.
More people riding transit means fewer cars on the road, less congestion and cleaner air.
All forms of transit showed ridership increases in 1997, with the most significant increases in the fourth quarter. That growth was paced by the new Dallas system and expanded service on existing light rail lines in San Diego and other cities. Major increases occurred for light rail systems in Dallas and Memphis and for rail systems in Los Angeles and between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Most of the increases at these systems resulted from opening new extensions or expanding service during the last year. Many smaller bus systems reported yearly increases of more than 10 percent.