Climate Change Impacts Public Transit Ridership: A Call for Action

A study shows that climate change negatively impacts U.S. public transit ridership, particularly during extreme weather events. Ridership drops during heat and heavy rain, affecting vulnerable populations like older adults. To counteract this, improvements in transit infrastructure and climate-sensitive design at stops are critically needed, despite political challenges.

A recent study highlights the adverse effects of climate change on public transit ridership in the United States. The study examined 43 major transit networks and found that ridership declined during extreme weather events, such as prolonged rain and heat, between 2002 and 2019. Researchers controlled for differences in weather impacts across various U.S. climates and community demographics, including race and income.

The research team from the University of Oregon noted that while most individuals without alternatives will continue to ride in bad weather, the number of passengers could significantly diminish due to climate-induced discomfort. Nicole Ngo, the lead author, emphasized the dangers for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults who rely on public transportation. She stated that “waiting outside for the bus in 90-degree heat” can lead to severe consequences for this demographic.

Moreover, Ngo pointed out that adverse weather conditions impede transit operations. For instance, heavy rain and snow can slow down buses as they become stuck in traffic, while extreme heat can warp rail tracks, leading to train delays or cancellations. The cumulative effect of prolonged extreme weather results in significant ridership losses, particularly during severe heat waves,

Transit systems play a crucial role in providing access to essential services, including cooling centers for low-income residents unable to afford air conditioning. As extreme weather days increase, the negative health impacts on vulnerable populations intensify. Ngo stressed that the impact of continuous extreme weather patterns on travel behavior requires urgent attention from transportation leaders.

To address these challenges, there is a need for enhanced transit services and climate-responsive measures at transit stops. Creating shaded areas, providing air conditioning, and incorporating cooling vegetation are among the recommendations for improving the passenger experience. Currently, only one-fifth of U.S. bus stops offer basic shelter, indicating a significant area for growth in service quality.

While political resistance to acknowledging climate change persists, it remains imperative for transit officials to recognize its growing impact on ridership and revenue. Ngo succinctly articulated the urgency of the situation: “Extreme weather is becoming much more common, and it is not going away. We need to ensure that cities and transit agencies are aware that this is also hurting their bottom line.”

In conclusion, the recent study reveals the undeniable link between climate change and declining public transit ridership in the United States. Extreme weather events have been shown to deter passengers, particularly vulnerable populations such as older adults. To mitigate these effects, transit agencies must confront the realities of climate change by improving infrastructure and services. Failure to adapt may exacerbate health issues and further decrease ridership, leading to broader implications for community mobility and sustainability.

Original Source: usa.streetsblog.org