Rail Transit in America: A comprehensive evaluation of benefits

Authors

Todd Litman

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

12-2009

Subject Area

economics - appraisal/evaluation, economics - benefits, mode - rail

Abstract

This report evaluates the benefits of rail transit based on a comprehensive analysis of transportation system performance in major U.S. cities. It finds that cities with larger, well-established rail systems have significantly higher per capita transit ridership, lower average per capita vehicle ownership and mileage, less traffic congestion, lower traffic death rates and lower consumer transportation expenditures than otherwise comparable cities.

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