Foggy Forecast: Despite Ridership Growth and Capital Project Progress, Big-Picture Uncertainties Dampen Transit Execs' Mood on the Year Ahead

Just as demand for public transportation grows greater than ever before, public transit agencies are worried that they may have to cut services or raise fares due to increased operation costs and insufficient local, state and federal funding. The article includes descriptions by directors of rail transit agencies in Cleveland, Chicago, Washington, Denver, South Florida, and northern California, of funding crunches due to increased costs, as well as plans to raise fares. Finding money for rebuilding infrastructure is problematic, but transit chiefs acknowledge that the greatest unknown is the upcoming election and a new administration. Some hope environmental issues will convince Congress that more funding for public transit programs is needed.