New public transit needs and related struggles

Most U.S. public transit systems are still struggling post-COVID-19. Withcommutes declining, fare revenue has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. More federal funding is needed to improve transit quality and safety and to adapt existing systems to new climate realities, such as extreme heat. FromIndiaandNorwaytoNew York, agencies are making transit free for all or for certain groups. But to increase ridership, transit agencies will need toimprove their services. Transit needs are changing —not just the times when people use public transit have changed, but thedestinationshave as well. A reevaluation of transit routes will be needed to accommodate these new behaviors.