A study shows that climate change is affecting public transit ridership negatively due to extreme weather events. With lower ridership reported during bad weather and health risks for vulnerable populations, the study emphasizes the need for climate-resilient transit solutions to improve services and passenger comfort. Effective response from leaders is crucial as climate-related challenges are expected to increase.
A recent study indicates that climate change is negatively impacting ridership on public transit systems across the United States. The research, which analyzed 43 major transit networks, demonstrated significant declines in ridership during extreme weather events, such as excessive rain and heat, over a 17-year period leading up to the pandemic. This trend holds true even when considering various factors regarding community demographics and inherent differences in baseline ridership.
Despite the expected discomfort of passengers waiting in adverse weather, particularly those with few alternatives, the University of Oregon research team cautioned that climate-related ridership reductions could escalate. Nicole Ngo, the lead author of the study, noted that prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults who heavily rely on public transit.
Cycling through adverse weather, not only do individuals opt for private vehicles, but transit services themselves become compromised: buses stranded in traffic and rail disruptions due to heat are common examples. The ongoing nature of severe weather exacerbates this issue, with transportation being a lifeline for low-income residents accessing cooling amenities during heat spells.
Ngo emphasized the need for transit networks to address the adverse effects of climate change on ridership. Solutions include enhancing service quality and expanding public transit access while incorporating climate-resilient measures at transit stations. Such improvements would address passenger comfort and ultimately encourage higher participation in shared transportation.
While implementing these strategies poses challenges, particularly in a political landscape resistant to climate change acknowledgment, Ngo asserts that it is paramount for leaders to recognize and address the influence of extreme weather on public transit systems. Accepting these realities is crucial for preserving both ridership and the financial viability of transit operations as climate-related impacts intensify.
In summary, the findings underscore the urgent need for transit systems in the U.S. to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. By implementing climate-proofing measures and improving transit services, authorities can both tackle the decline in ridership and safeguard public health. Acknowledging the growing commonality of extreme weather events is essential for future-proofing public transportation and ensuring its accessibility for all communities.
Original Source: usa.streetsblog.org
