Public Transit Struggles

The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on public transit. According to the American Public Transportation Association, in April 2020, U.S. transit ridership had fallen to 20 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and in early 2025, ridership numbers were at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The end of COVID-era relief funds further threatens the abilities of transit systems across the country to cover operations, improve transit quality and safety, and adapt to new climate realities, such as extreme heat.

To increase ridership, transit agencies from India and Norway to New York have tried making transit free for all or for certain groups. But transit agencies also need to improve their services. Transit needs are changing, including both the times when people use public transit and their destinations. A reevaluation of transit routes will be needed to accommodate these new behaviors, and planners will be essential in this conversation.