If the $90 billion public transit repair backlog in the U.S. is not addressed soon, it could result in a $340 billion loss to the country's economy over the next six years, according to a study recently released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Conducted by the Economic Development Research Group Inc., the report found that the loss in revenue would translate to a $180 billion loss in the country's cumulative gross national product, as well as a $109 billion dip in household income. The financial losses would result from decreases in worker efficiency and productivity caused by public transit delays and disruptions, the report stated.
The authors examined public transit modernization needs nationwide and performed case studies of six transit systems: the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
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Source: Progressive Railroading
