An important social role played by public transport is to ensure that all members of society are able to travel, not just those with a driving license and access to an automobile—which include groups such as the young, the old, the poor, those with medical conditions, and people banned from driving. Automobile dependency is a name given by policy makers to places where the those without access to a private vehicle do not have access to independent mobility.

Above that, public transportation opens to its users the possibility of meeting other people, as no concentration is diverted from interacting with fellow-travelers due to any steering activities. Adding to the above-said, public transport becomes a location of inter-social encounters across all boundaries of social, ethnic and other types of affiliation. The development of public transport also entails the simple act of job creation.

Examples of a Dynamic Social Effect

Eugene, Oregon

The bus rapid transit line called EmX features hybrid buses with a dedicated bus lane and a partnership with local universities and schools to provide lowcost service to students. EmX also has created local jobs by hiring local contractors to design and construct key infrastructure components, including bus shelters. To make EmX use practical, the buses run every ten minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak time. Public bus ridership in Eugene, including on EmX hybrid buses, has increased 35-40 percent during the last three years, and now exceeds 20-year ridership projections.

Kings County, California

The Kings County Area Public Transportation Agency’s innovative system of vanpools and rural buses ensures access to schools, jobs and medical services in the rural reaches of California’s San Joaquin Valley. The vanpools provide affordable, safe transportation alternatives to rural residents while reducing global warming emissions and other air pollutants. Businesses throughout the state, including casinos and ski resorts, are turning to the transit agency for advice.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Known locally as The Rapid, the Grand Rapids transit system’s success is attributed to its large array of transit options, including curb-to-curb pickup service, rideshare programs, and a free shuttle between the Grand Valley State University’s two campuses. Routes are focused on job creation and economic development, while suburban areas are served by vanpools and the PASS shuttle service that connects suburban residents with The Rapid’s regular bus routes.

Today, the system is a vital piece of Grand Rapid’s economy, with 80 percent of riders using The Rapid to commute to work. A recent study by Michigan Department of Transportation for the Governor’s Transportation Funding Task Force shows that every $10 million spent on transit capital investments, such as The Rapid, creates 300 jobs and every $10 million spent on transit operations creates or sustains 570 jobs. In contrast, every $10 million spent on highway projects creates only 142 jobs, according to the study.