Workers classified as essential during the COVID-19 emergency account for 36 percent of total transit commuters in the United States. Service must be maintained to allow for safe spacing on buses and trains.

We estimate that, depending on the extent of social distancing measures that are required over the next year, transit agencies could see an annual shortfall of $26-$38 billion. In this summary, we provide snapshots of current impacts on local agencies and provide two scenarios outlining the potential cumulative impact on transit agencies nationwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a sudden, severe threat for transit agencies across the country. During this crisis, TransitCenter will be shifting our focus to the specific challenges posed by the virus.