Life on the fast track: states and cities are finding ways to meet the growing demand for rapid transit and rider-friendly communities.

• Author: Shinkle, Douglas
• Position: TRANSIT

Light rail in Charlotte, rapid buses in Cleveland, streetcars in St. Louis, commuter rail between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Communities across the nation are responding to citizens' demands for more transportation choices. In 2013 alone, more than 700 rail, streetcar and "bus rapid transit" projects are being planned or are already under construction, according to Reconnecting America, a national transit advocacy group.

All levels of government have invested hundreds of billions of taxpayers' dollars into these projects nationwide, stirring skeptics to question whether transit is a wise public investment. Given the high initial costs of some of these transit options, ensuring there will be enough riders is essential. In most instances, careful studies are conducted before any track is laid or lane is designated. New transit is much more likely to be used, however, if the area has been developed to encourage the use of public transportation--a strategy known as transit-oriented development.

Lawmakers, developers, residents and business owners are anxious to capitalize on transit investments to bolster economic development, lessen traffic congestion and meet the increased market demand for transit- and walker-friendly communities, especially popular among young workers and empty-nesters.

Transit on the Incline

Public transportation is in. People are choosing mass transit at levels unseen since the late 1950s, before many cities began to dismantle their systems. In 2012, people took 10.5 billion trips on transit systems, the second-highest number since 1957 surpassed only by 2008, a year with record high gas prices. Young people ages 16 to 34 especially are choosing transit, hopping on buses or light-rail trains a whopping 40 percent more than in 2001.

The effect of the recession on household budgets may be playing a role. Taking transit instead of driving a car can save a person more than $10,000 a year in gas, insurance, maintenance and other costs, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

More and more, state legislatures are considering the value and economic benefits of funding and supporting transit-oriented developments.

In Utah, new tracks have been laid at a blistering pace, from zero miles in 1998 to 80 miles in 2013 to a projected 150 miles of light and commuter rail by 2015. These new transportation choices are proving popular with Utahans; ridership on commuter and light rail both increased almost 15 percent...