Public Transit Ridership Continues Slow Climb in Major Cities

Transit agencies across several major cities continue to report gradual ridership growth quarter over quarter, though most systems remain below pre-pandemic peak usage, reflecting lasting shifts in commuting patterns from more flexible and hybrid work arrangements.

A changed ridership pattern, not just a smaller one

Beyond overall volume, agencies have also noted a shift in when ridership peaks — traditional weekday rush-hour peaks have flattened somewhat, with more even ridership spread across the day, consistent with fewer commuters traveling on a fixed nine-to-five schedule.