Urban Institute's new report seeks to understand why transit agencies—unlike many other public services—continuously face fiscal instability, and recommends funding mechanisms to disrupt this vicious cycle.

“People First” examines the current challenges facing public sector human resources that limit hiring and retention, and outlines potential solutions to rethink this critical agency function. To make transit agencies workplaces of the future, agencies must transform Human Resources into strategic functions that can proactively address future workforce needs, prioritize professional development and succession management, and build a positive workplace culture.

“Renewing the New York Railroads" analyzes the potential benefits of operating LIRR and Metro-North more like the subway within New York City’s boundaries, with affordable fares and more frequent service. The report reveals that the current regime of expensive fares and peak-oriented schedules on MetroNorth and LIRR is a big drag on opportunity in the NY Metro area.

TransitCenter’s new report, “Bus Operators in Crisis,” details the challenges American operators are facing, and offers solutions that transit agencies can take to solve issues locally. It also proposes steps that state and the federal governments can take to provide agencies with necessary support.

At most transit agencies, “who decides” is different from “who rides.” Our latest report, “Who Rules Transit,” reveals a yawning gap between the demographics of transit riders – primarily women and people of color – and leadership at transit agencies – primarily white men.

Transit can function as a ladder of opportunity, but it is not immune to the racism and classism embedded in American life. To address these inequities, transit agencies must look within. In this report, TransitCenter and the Center for Neighborhood Technology examine the internal structures and practices of transit agencies, and how they can be reformed to deliver better outcomes for the people with the most at stake in transit.

“Safety For All" chronicles how agencies like BART in San Francisco, TriMet in Portland, and SEPTA in Philadelphia are addressing safety concerns by hiring unarmed personnel, developing high profile anti-harassment campaigns, and better connecting vulnerable riders to housing and mental health services. These interventions also allow transit police to spend less time on “quality of life” offenses and focus more attention on the core mission of deterring violence.

Transit agencies around the country are adopting a new generation of fare payment systems. Agencies including…

Drawing on interviews with public health experts and transit agency officials, as well as a survey of more than 2,000 residents in major American cities, this brief summarizes current epidemiological knowledge about COVID-19 and transit, and explores what city dwellers think about getting back on board. This research informs recommendations to make transit service safe, effective, and appealing.