Who Uses Public Transportation and Why

Who Uses Public Transportation and Why

Users of public transportation are more likely to be those with relatively low incomes (Bock, 1968; Taafe, 1963), have low occupational status (Bock, 1968; Reeder, 1956), and own fewer automobiles (Fertal et al., 1966; Foley, 1950; cited in Mamon & Marshall, 1977).

Mamon & Marshall (1977) have discovered in their research that the interpretation of these relationships has tended to be an economic one. Thus, the literature suggests that occupation groups differ in their usage of public transportation largely because of variations in ability to bear the costs of private automobiles. The basic argument is that the automobile, even though more expensive than public transportation, is faster and more convenient for the journey to work. Consequently, those who can bear these additional costs will do so (Mamon & Marshall, 1977).

Dr. James Ortner, manager of Transit Technical Services for the Orange County Transportation Authority, explains how modal choice in Los Angeles is dependant largely on income. "Generally, transit riders are from the lower income communities. Studies show than many people use public transportation to access a job, but begin ridesharing or driving a car once work is secured. Higher income workers use express bus and commuter trains, but their numbers are only a small percentage of transit users in the Los Angeles metropolitan area."