RIDERSHIP TRENDS OF NEW START RAIL PROJECTS

This paper reports on the ridership trends of light rail transit (LRT) projects implemented in the last two decades. These systems are colloquially referred to as new start systems. The purpose of the research presented here is to look at the process of maturation of these systems in terms of ridership trends. Each system's ridership is examined, and system extent in terms of route miles and service miles also are examined. The research attempts to discern the impact of service expansion associated with the system synergies that might result from increased accessibility, through the review of ridership changes as LRT systems grow in contrast to service supply. This review of the National Transit Database data indicates that ridership trends for LRT projects matured relatively quickly, with subsequent growth driven by system extent and service levels. The initial rapid maturation is partially attributable to the high levels of attention light rail lines receive when they are under development and implemented, as well as the inherent physical presence that LRT provides for transit. It is interesting to note that the LRT systems, even the more mature systems, are a modest share of the urban area's total transit service, with the most successful systems providing approximately 30% of total regional transit trips. LRT investments may be very important to a community by stimulating attention and investment in public transit. LRT implementation has helped several communities expand public transit use; however, it has not resulted in dramatic changes in the role that public transit plays in regional mobility in the respective communities. While LRT is playing an important role in expanding opportunities for transit use, even LRT system development is a lengthy process with no assurance of substantial increases in transit ridership.