Will better transit funding attract riders? [2 of 4]

Comparison of auto ownership and transit ridership
in Germany and the US, 1950-77.
[Vukan Vuchic, Urban Public Transportation, p. 109]

Since the late 1970's, recognition of the important role of public transit has grown in the United States. U.S. Federal government support has increased dramatically in recent years, and the resulting improvements in transit services and infrastructure have led to a ridership increase of over 20% in the past five years from 7.7 to 9.4 billion journeys. Support from the higher levels of government currently fills about 24% of the operating needs and about 67% of capital funding requirements.