The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has released its annual Public Transportation Vehicle Database, providing fleet details of approximately 158 U.S. and six Canadian transit agencies and representing systems that carry 77% of U.S. transit ridership.
The 340-page report (scroll down to download PDF and Excel files) includes comprehensive information on transit vehicles, such as manufacture date, specifications, accessibility features, and equipment details. The 2024 edition also includes summary tables grouping vehicles by mode (see rail-specific modes above), manufacturer, size, and year built; a special section on the new vehicle market, covering orders, planned orders, and vehicle costs (see below); information on autonomous and automated safety equipment for U.S. agencies; and data on emerging transit modes such as Bus Rapid Transit and Hybrid Rail.
According to APTA, the report “underscores the role public transportation plays in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing urban mobility, and promoting equitable access to transportation services across the United States.” Among the highlights: 56% of buses now run on alternative fuels, up from 41% just a decade ago, and 32% of buses on order are battery-electric; 100% of heavy rail, light rail, and streetcar systems operate on clean energy; 56% of commuter rail vehicles utilize “eco-friendly technology”; 85% of buses and 88% of light rail vehicles are outfitted with automated stop announcements; 92% of buses and 87% of light rail vehicles have installed automatic vehicle location systems, providing real-time arrival predictions; and 77% of buses and 50% of light rail vehicles are equipped with bike racks.
“APTA’s Public Transportation Vehicle Database is an indispensable tool for understanding the current state and future direction of our nation’s transit fleets,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said during the database release announcement on Sept. 24. “Through this resource, we’re equipping policymakers, including Members of Congress and their staffs, with the data they need to make informed decisions about critical public transportation infrastructure and funding needs.”
“As we navigate the complexities of modernizing our transit systems and addressing climate change, the insights provided by this database are more crucial than ever,” Skoutelas continued. “It’s not just about understanding where we are today, but about planning for a more sustainable and accessible future in public transportation.”
