Thousands of riders’ daily mobility needs may soon hinge on a dubious business model that has performed poorly in other places. The promises of cheap fares, shorter waits, and lower costs only hold up when few people use the system and transit workers are devalued.

What comes next as transit agencies strive to bring service back and deliver what riders need in 2021 and beyond? In a series of posts based on interviews with transit agency staff, TransitCenter will outline the challenges and opportunities facing the transit industry as it recovers from the pandemic.

On April 5, the MBTA changed commuter rail schedules to better accommodate travel outside the morning and evening rush. The change is a small but significant step on the path toward full regional rail reform.

How might a federal program to fund transit service be structured? What difference would it make for transit riders?

The pandemic brought about sudden and severe cutbacks in service last spring. Nearly all transit agencies have restored some service since then, but a TransitCenter analysis shows wide variation.

Earlier this week, the American Public Transportation Association requested $39.3 billion in relief funding to help transit agencies maintain service and withstand the financial impacts caused by COVID-19. A plan moving through in Congress would reserve about $30 billion for transit. And the Biden administration had earlier proposed $20 billion for transit in the next relief package. What should we make of these different proposals?

Our latest video illustrates how increasing the amount of transit service by 40% can dramatically expand access to good transit and bring many more jobs within reach of riders.

On December 17th, TransitCenter held a ceremony recognizing this year’s Frequency Award winners. Here’s a list of the honorees, and a bit about why their work was so important: