APTA: Transit ridership continues post-COVID rebound

U.S. transit-rail ridership has rebounded to 72% of pre-pandemic ridership levels, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced this week.

Ridership across all transit services reached 85% of 2019 levels, APTA officials reported May 14.

APTA's 75th edition of its Public Transportation Fact Book and its ridership policy brief highlights the transit sector's rebound, APTA officials said in a press release. Transit agencies delivered 7.7 billion passenger trips in 2024, or 491 million more than in 2023.

Ridership continues to rebound despite in-office work attendance remaining on average at 52%, said APTA President and CEO Paul, Skoutelas.

“Ridership continues to rebound despite limited office attendance, proving public transportation serves far more than traditional commuters," said Skoutelas. "Our systems are vital lifelines, taking people to work, school, healthcare and special community events.”