Wednesday's Words: Record-setting year for transit

Public transportation systems in the U.S. reached their highest ridership levels since 1956 last year with 10.7 billion people taking transit trips, according to statistics released Monday by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“There is a fundamental shift going on in the way we move about our communities,”APTA President Michael Melaniphy said in a statement. “People in record numbers are demanding more public transit services and communities are benefiting with strong economic growth.”

Given this record-setting demand, it's not surprising on Tuesday the APTA recommended that Congress increase its funding of transit systems in the U.S. by $11.5 billion per year.

“Increasing investment in public transportation and roads is essential for growing our economy in the U.S. and remaining competitive in a global economy,” Melaniphy said.

Kansas has seen transit ridership grow substantially over the past decade.  As a result, when the state's transportation plan, T-WORKS, was passed in 2010 it increased funding from $6 million to $11 million annually.

If you want to learn more about the APTA proposal, click here to visit its website.

Do you think funding for transit services need to be increased?  Let us know in the comment box below.