Destinations Matter: Building Transit Success

This paper analyzes the performance of 19 transit lines to better understand the factors contributing to high ridership. Of the 19 lines examined, seven exceeded projections, eight are on track to beat projections, and two did not meet projections, while data for three was unavailable. The conclusion: that connecting destinations is key, and that the funding decision-making process needs to take into consideration a fuller range of factors that enhance ridership.

The study concludes that lines that link multiple regional destinations and housing opportunities appear to be the most successful in generating ridership. This paper recommends that the funding decision-making process take into consideration a fuller range of the factors that contribute to high ridership. For example, this paper recommends and demonstrates a job center analysis.