36th Annual Student Research Conference
The United States vs. Public Transportation: An Analysis of Bus Ridership in U.S. Cities
Ethan R. Kershaw
Dr. John McNeill, Faculty Mentor
Public transportation systems like buses offer a great opportunity for cities to reduce the number of cars traveling their streets, providing a wide range of benefits. Bus systems reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector by providing a viable alternative to single-passenger car travel. However, the majority of people with access to public transportation in the United States choose to rely upon their own vehicles rather than taking the bus. My research explains some of the reasons buses are not being utilized through the three three key aspects of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. I performed a statistical analysis of public data from the 40 largest U.S. cities and their bus services and researched urban development and policy in several of those cities as part of this study. Based on the results of that research, I offer several possible policy options for city governments seeking to increase bus ridership.
Keywords: Public Transportation, Sustainability, Economics, Social, Environmental, Cities, Politics
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone
Economics
Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 307-5
Location: MG 2001
Time: 2:15