Public Transit Ridership Is Rebounding—Here’s How Data Can Help Agencies Stay Ahead

If you’ve been watching the numbers, you know something big is happening in public transit. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), U.S. ridership has bounced back to 85% of pre-pandemic levels. That’s 7.7 billion passenger trips in 2024—nearly half a billion more than the year before. 

This isn’t just a return to normal. It’s a redefinition of what “normal” even means. 

Transit is no longer just about the 9-to-5 office crowd. With national office occupancy still hovering around 52%, people are riding for different reasons: School, healthcare, community events, and jobs that require in-person presence. Bus ridership in particular is leading the way, especially in smaller cities and among younger riders. 

So what does this mean for transit agencies? 

It means there’s a real opportunity to rethink how service is planned and delivered. Rider needs are evolving, and with the right data, agencies can evolve right alongside them. By understanding who’s riding, when, and why, agencies can make smarter decisions that reflect today’s realities, not yesterday’s assumptions. 

Here are seven ways data is helping agencies not just recover, but reimagine: 

Ridership Insights & Forecasting 
Understand how recovery is playing out by city, mode, and demographic. Predictive analytics help forecast demand and adjust service accordingly. 

Service Optimization 
Real-time and historical data can reveal shifting travel patterns—like fewer office commutes and more midday or weekend trips. Agencies can use this to realign routes and schedules. 

Performance & Benchmarking 
Compare service efficiency, costs, and recovery progress across regions. Spot what’s working, and where to invest next. 

Sustainability & Zero-Emission Tracking 
With over 1,600 zero-emission buses now in service, tracking emissions and vehicle performance is essential for ESG goals and grant applications. 

Equity & Accessibility Analysis 
Transit is a lifeline for many. Mapping access for underserved communities and tracking ADA compliance ensures that no one is left behind. 

Economic Impact & ROI Reporting 
Transit delivers $5 in economic output for every $1 invested. Data helps quantify that value, whether it’s cost savings, job access, or community benefits. 

Public-Facing Transparency Tools 
Dashboards showing real-time performance, crowding, and environmental impact build trust and empower riders. 

Data and Analytics Can Help Your Agency Thrive 

TransTrack’s ViewPoint is a cloud-based business intelligence platform purpose-built for transit agencies. It’s designed to empower teams—regardless of technical background—to track, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators in real time. 

From helping to identify trends and patterns with ridership and optimizing routes to tracking zero-emission fleet performance and reporting on equity and accessibility, ViewPoint helps agencies turn data into action. With over 350 built-in reports and more than 250 KPIs, and seamless integrations with systems from Trapeze and Vontas, agencies gain a comprehensive view of their operations. The result? More confident, data-driven decisions that support better service and stronger communities. 

Together, We Go Far 

The bottom line? Transit is back, but it’s evolving. The road ahead is full of opportunity, and as transit agencies continue to adapt and grow, data will be one of their most powerful tools for navigating change with confidence.

We’re here to help provide the tools that you need to make sense of the numbers, make informed decisions, and shape the future of mobility. Because when transit succeeds, communities do too.