How Good Transit Benefits Communities Beyond its Users

A new study from the University of Utah and MIT highlights the positive impacts of effective transit systems on land use and travel behavior across the larger population, not just transit users. 

In fact, the indirect impacts of increased public transit and pedestrian infrastructure can be greater than the direct impacts. “For every mile not driven by transit riders, transit accounts for another six to nine miles not driven among the larger population.”

According to an article by Chris McCahill in State Smart Transportation Initiative, “The study looked at how factors like transit access, household makeup and income, and fuel prices influence transit use and vehicle miles of travel (VMT).” The study reveals how the ripple effects of transit can have positive impacts far beyond its users by creating a built environment more friendly to multimodal transportation.