Slower Economy = Lower Ridership

Unfortunately for large cities who have a structured public transit system when the economy slows, ridership goes with it.  I was unable to find the percent of decline in Chicago, but I'm sure it's slightly under New York's since their budget shortfall is hovering around $300m when New York's is over $1b.

London: They're about where we are now - facing a budget crisis with resistance from the union and no solutions yet. From August 2008 to August 2009 there was a 6.4% decline in riders. New York saw a 2% drop from January to January); both saw record highs in 2008. Transport for London is looking at a budget gap of "at least" one billion pounds, or about $1.5b.

I would say New York handled it better by spreading out the cost of handling the shortfall rather than drastically increasing the fare cost.  Part of that goal would be to help divert taxi users, car owners/drivers to public transportation.  They did increase the fare rate and force some service cuts, but it was not as devastating as it could be.  If the fares were increased the rate suggested, 20-30%, it would have potentially continued the decrease in ridership.  I'm not excited about the increase in payroll taxes and fees unless it was specifically designated for areas serviced by New York's MTA.

This does not excuse any public transportation system from being criticized for lack of efficiency which would decrease cost and potentially increase ridership due to it's reliability.  Public transportation should be the epitome of smooth traveling to ensure customers are satisfied and continue usage.

Let's just hope the CTA can resolve the issue with their union and prevent major fare hikes and service cuts.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2009/10/14/cta-budget-crisis-if-it-makes-you-feel-any-better-its-not-just-us

One of these days I will sit down and truly hash out numbers for Charlotte commuters from areas surrounding the LYNX blue line.  But for now it appears riding the train is cheaper than driving your vehicle and parking it Uptown.  Why ridership has fallen since the price of fuel has fallen can only be chalked up, if you ask me, to the stigma surrounding public transportation in this city and how embedded vehicle ownership is in their blood.  In this economy, Charlotte's LYNX system should have an increase in ridership due to the savings.

My estimations on driving vs LYNX blue line...

• Main/Polk to Trade/Tryon, 14 miles
• ~30 miles round trip
• $3.60 round trip at 20mpg, $2.40/gallon
  
• Parking Uptown is at least $5
• $8.60 round trip

• Main/Polk to I-485 Park and Ride, 1.6 miles
• ~3 miles round trip
• $0.36 round trip at 20mpg, $2.40/gallon
• LYNX round trip ride, $3
• $3.36 round trip

Which really makes sense?  That's a savings of $5 per day, plus avoiding the aggravation of traffic and increasing your opportunity to relax, read, talk...  Just don't sit on the train with your phone glued to your face.  Don't forget, my $5 for parking is exaggerated.  I'm guessing it is closer to $10+, that only sinks the driver further into the ground.