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The Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institute has developed a comprehensive database and accompanying report that provides a detailed look at transit coverage and connectivity across and within the nation’s major metro areas. Top performers include some cities that may not be the first to come to mind when you think transit: “Fifteen of the 20 metro areas that rank highest on a combined score of transit coverage and job access are in the West. Top performers include metro areas with noted transit systems such as New York, Portland, San Francisco, and Washington, but also Salt Lake City, Tucson, Fresno, and Las Vegas. Conversely, 15 of the 20 metro areas that rank lowest are in the South.” As with New York City’s desire to know more about travel habits, rationalizing spending is the underlying reason for the study: “With governments at all levels considering deep budget cuts, it is increasingly important to understand not just the location and frequency of transit service, but ultimately how well transit aligns with where people work and live.” Other highlights:

  • Nearly 70 percent of large metropolitan residents live in neighborhoods with access to transit service of some kind.
  • In neighborhoods covered by transit, morning rush hour service occurs about once every 10 minutes for the typical metropolitan commuter.
  • The typical metropolitan resident can reach about 30 percent of jobs in their metropolitan area via transit in 90 minutes
  • About one-quarter of jobs in low- and middle-skill industries are accessible via transit within 90 minutes for the typical metropolitan commuter, compared to one-third of jobs in high-skill industries.

The report and additional information are available here.