Why Bus Ridership Is Up In Phoenix, Around The U.S.

Published: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - 1:25pm
Updated: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - 4:22pm
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A Valley Metro bus.

From New York’s broken subway system, to traffic jams here at home, talking about transit changes can certainly incite frustration.

But when it comes to solutions — magic bullets like Elon Musk’s flashy hyperloop solution that he says is headed for Chicago, or even expanding light rail in the Valley — can eat up all the air in the room for the real, nitty-gritty conversation about getting the most people from point A to point B, on time, and on budget.

Buses aren’t sexy, but they are quietly making an impact in several cities across the nation.

Seattle, Houston, San Francisco, New Orleans and yes, Phoenix, all saw rises in bus ridership the last year.

So The Show turned to Jarrett Walker, a public transit planning consultant, to find out the secret to public transit success.

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