TRANSIT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

According to 2000 U.S. Census Bureau figures for commuting trips, approximately 15 percent of residents of the Boston Region MPO area commute to work via some form of public transit; this is slightly higher than the transit mode share for 1990 given in the census for that year. Furthermore, 55 percent of all work trips into downtown Boston and 42 percent of all trips destined for downtown are made by transit. In the entire MPO region, however, 6.8 percent of all trips are made by transit; that number is estimated to increase to 7.47 percent by 2025.[1]

Based on the 2000 census figures, approximately 54 percent of the population within the Boston MPO region lives within walking distance of MBTA transit service.[2] This statistic reinforces the importance of promoting public transit use.

This section provides performance data on the bus, rapid transit, and commuter rail services, in addition to the utilization of park-and-ride lots at transit stations. Just click on the desired link below for performance information.

QUICK FACTS: The MBTA System and Ridership
BUS
COMMUTER RAIL
SUBWAY and LIGHT RAIL
COMMUTER BOAT (FERRY)
PARK-AND-RIDE LOTS AT TRANSIT STATIONS
BICYCLE PARKING AT TRANSIT STATIONS

For other related information on transit service performance, click on the links below.

TRANSIT PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Notes:
1. As stated in the Program for Mass Transportation (PMT), prepared by the Central Transportation Planning Staff for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), May 2003, p. 2-1. Estimates are based on the travel demand model, 1995 base year.
2. Walking distance to transit (used to identify the potential transit market area) is defined as the distance of 1/2 mile or less from a rail station and 1/4 mile or less from a bus stop. Population is based on 2000 census.