The National Transit Database collects and presents data from transit agencies across the country and we have utilized this resource many times over the last decade or so when analyzing the Port Authority’s mass transit operations and characteristics. The NTD anticipates 2014 data to be available later this summer, but we were able obtain 2014 data on light rail from the Authority itself. We most recently looked at light rail performance in a May 2014 Brief where we examined FY 11, 12, and 13 light rail stats.
Compared to FY13, unlinked light rail trips in FY14 were down slightly from 8.032 million to 7.937, a 1.2% decrease. However, revenue attributed to the mode rose from $9.7 million to $11.3 million, or 16%. Without a fare increase it is hard to see how this type of increase would come without a lot more riders. According to PAT staff, they altered the allocation of revenue to light rail based on unlinked trips rather than originating traffic. Bringing transfers and senior ridership to the light rail total accounts for this significant boost in revenue.
We will likely explore this topic in an upcoming Brief.