Public Transit Benefits

Economic

Public transit systems provide direct economic benefits to the communities they serve.

• According to a 2003 study funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, every dollar invested in public transit results in a $3 return in business sales and jobs.
• Public transit benefits the healthcare, employment, education, and service economic sectors by generating millions in cost savings.

Personal Savings

Riders that choose to take the bus versus their car can save money in gas, tire, and maintenance expenses. Each year, bus riders save hundreds of dollars by leaving their car at home and using the bus. This personal savings increases as the price of gas increases.

Environmental

Riding the bus reduces your carbon footprint. Riders that choose not to travel via personal vehicles reduce congestion and lower tailgate emissions.

• One full bus takes 30 cars off the road reducing congestion and making the air healthier to breathe. That's comparable to a line of cars six blocks long traveling at 25 mph.

Mobility for All – Wherever Life Takes You

Public transit provides access to important destinations for community residents that have no other means of travel.

• Households with one vehicle or less rely on public transit to provide essential trips to work, school, medical clinics, and shopping.
• Without public transit, seniors and disabled community members would have limited or no options to make necessary daily trips.

Safety & Security

The bus is a safe way to travel and can provide other benefits in times of emergency.

• The bus continues to be one of the safest modes of travel with significantly lower rates of passenger injuries when compared to personal vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and walking.
• In regional or local emergencies, public transit has been used as a tool to help move people to safety.

---