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APTA Economic Impact Report Links Research, Real-World Examples

The research is in: Investing in public transit equals investing in the economy.

So states APTA’s new report, Economic Impact of Public Transportation, which connects research with real-world examples to illustrate the value of investing in public transportation in terms of local economic development, productivity, and job growth.

The report demonstrates that overall, investment in public transportation offers an economic return of $4 for every $1 invested, and investment in public transportation will lead to more than 50,700 jobs per $1 billion invested, with 28,900 jobs per $1 billion attributed to productivity gains enjoyed by households and businesses.

The findings were announced at a Capitol Hill briefing during national Infrastructure Week by APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy; Ralph Becker, Salt Lake City mayor who was representing the National League of Cities as its first vice president; Elliott L. Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Destination DC; and representatives of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Becker and Ferguson discussed the ways public transit supports their respective cities.

“In Salt Lake City, we’ve long recognized the benefits that thoughtful transit planning and project execution bring to our community,” Becker said, specifically mentioning the city’s new Sugar House Streetcar line.

“After securing funding in 2010, the line opened last December and has generated over $400 million in investment to date, and growth is ongoing. In addition to the profound economic impacts, this project has also enhanced the livability, walkability, and long-term sustainability of the surrounding area. We are currently working on numerous additional projects, including a new downtown streetcar line and extensions to the Sugar House line,” he said.

“Really, nothing compares to the transformative energy that accompanies appropriate transit investment,” Becker added.

Ferguson pointed to the role public transit plays in strengthening Washington, DC. “As competitive cities become better connected, improve infrastructure, and make it easier for visitors to get around, it becomes increasingly important for DC to be able to compete, he said. “Soon-to-launch initiatives including the H Street streetcar, Metro’s Silver Line, and an ever-increasing number of dedicated bicycle lanes in the District are indicative of the city’s commitment to public transportation and APTA’s mission.”

Real World Cases
The report’s release is supplemented with brief examples of economic success stories from public transit agencies. A few follow.

Central Ohio Transit Authority, Columbus, began operating CBUS—a downtown circulator—on May 5 to connect downtown employees, residents, and visitors with shopping, entertainment, residential and business districts, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, and hotels.

The Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority, Flagstaff, opened Mountain Link, a high-frequency bus service, in 2011, quickly becoming “an incredible selling point for our apartment communities,” says Crystal Finch, directory of property management for Bella Investment Group. “We began promoting our proximity to Mountain Link, and prospective tenants’ eyes would light up when they realized the extremely convenient access they would have to transit service onto campus and into downtown Flagstaff.”

Caltrain, San Carlos, CA, recently opened elevated tracks over three crossings in San Bruno that previously were at grade level. The new elevated tracks reduce traffic congestion and time spent in traffic, increase traffic flow, and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

The report, which updates a 2009 study, is available here. Send your economic success story to Mantill Williams.

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