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Connections 2050 aims to integrate the region’s infrastructure into an accessible, multimodal transportation network, with transit serving as a fundamental component. Increasing transit ridership is critical to maintaining a safe, multimodal transportation network that serves everyone. Increasing the share of people using transit also helps achieve other Connections 2050 goals to increase safety, reduce congestion, lessen roadway maintenance needs, improve air quality, and decrease the region's carbon footprint. 

COVID-19 accelerated declines in transit ridership that date back to 2012 when transit ridership peaked at 406 million trips. Since then, the region’s ridership declined by 13 percent through 2019. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership declined 65% from 2019 to 2021. In 2022, ridership increased 62 percent over 2021 ridership, a significant increase; however, ridership was still 43 percent below pre-pandemic levels. To see transit ridership by mode and agency, go to the “How are we doing?” tab in the Transit Ridership Indicator. Other data points available include changes in transit ridership per capita, per vehicle revenue hour (VRH), and vehicle revenue mile (VRM). These last two measure how efficiently transit agencies are delivering their service, as more riders per hour or mile leads to increased efficiency. These were added in response to a request from a member of the public made during a public meeting on an amendment to the Long-Range Plan. 

Fares paid by transit riders are critical to funding transit operating budgets. Fare revenue shortfalls were temporarily filled by the federal government as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Without additional funding, transit agencies across the nation may have to cut service, which would make it even more challenging to get back to pre-pandemic ridership levels. Talk to your local representative if you want more funding to go to transit, and check out the “Resources” tab for more ideas on how to increase transit ridership in the region. 

Want to download the data for your own use? Under each chart, find a link to the data in DVRPC’s Data Catalog. You can also explore other indicators in Tracking Progress, DVRPC’s interactive dashboard for exploring Greater Philadelphia’s progress toward the Connections 2050 regional Vision.