Public Transit in Montana MPI Policy Note 02-10

A Joint Project of the Montana Policy Institute and Mr. Randal OToole

, BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT:

Many people think that a major goal for transit is to persuade people to get out of their car and drive less. Considering that the transit systems we know today are more expensive, less convenient, and have greater environmental impacts than driving, this goal is self defeating. The changes described below could save Montana taxpayers millions of dollars while truly improving transit services for most people. Urban public transit is often considered the most cost effective and energy efficient means of transportation available, but this perception doesnt hold true in rural states like Montana. o When compared to driving private automobiles, public transit in Montana costs more and takes a greater toll on the environment per passenger mile than does driving that same mile in an average light truck or SUV. o In addition, low fares and high subsidies on public transit systems throughout the state contribute to the taxpayer burden for each trip taken and siphon funds from public roads. o These costs are imposed for a system that Montanans use to fulfill far less than ten percent of their travel needs, despite the fact that its cheap or even free to the rider. o The cost per passenger mile of driving in Montana is substantially lower than that of public transit, and is mostly borne by the person doing the driving. Contrary to popular belief, there are few federal or state subsidies to highways. To the extent that subsidies do exist, local governments are the primary source. o The average cost of driving in the United Statesincluding subsidies is less than 22 cents per passenger mile. Montanans spend a little under 23 cents, or just slightly above average and still well below the cost of public transportation. o The average cost of public transit, meanwhile, is more than 90 cents per passenger mile nationally, with more than 75% of that cost subsidized by nontransit users. The average cost of public transit in Montana, meanwhile, is about $1.76 per passenger mile, with more than 90% of the cost subsidized by nontransit users. o Montana transit riders pay on average less than 40 cents each time they ride the bus, while taxpayers kick in an average of more than five dollars to support each of those rides. Public transit also has a heavy cost on the environment. o Urban buses use more energy per passenger mile than private vehicles and release more than twice the carbon emissions into the atmosphere. o Transit systems in Montana emit twice the carbon per passenger mile as a light truck.

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o While urban transit buses tend to be less energy efficient than light trucks, intercity buses are among the most energy-efficient vehicles in America. Intercity buses are private and operate where people want to go, tending to fill at least half to two-thirds of the seats. Montanans who are concerned about either public expenditures or climate change and air pollution should be looking for alternatives to traditional urban transit models o Congress incentivizes high cost forms of transit and discourages more efficient forms. A critical first step is for Congress to reverse these incentives. o Smaller vehicles can save energy and nimbly serve more parts of each urban area. o Private carriers can operate at capacity and have routes on demand rather than scheduled. o Instead of funding expensive transit agencies to serve only a few people, state and local governments could give transportation vouchers to people unable to drive. o Also known as shared taxis, jitneys are a combination of taxis and buses. Opening up urban areas to competitive jitney services would allow more people to take advantage of door-to-door services at a lower cost than taxis.

We've identified a disconnect between what people are being told about the supposed benefits of city buses and what is actually happening; and we've proposed serious, workable alternatives that would save taxpayer dollars, reduce environmental costs, and provide much more choice to those who want or need public transportation. Cities and counties in Montana need to decide if they're in the business of moving people or of running bus systems. If we want to reduce traffic and provide transportation to people who might otherwise lack it, there are much better alternatives than buying buses and driving them around regardless of whether anyone wants to ride them. To view the full report or for more information people can go to www.montanapolicy.org.
The Montana Policy Institute is a 501(c) (3) policy research organization that equips Montana citizens and decision makers to better evaluate state public policy options from the perspective that policies based upon limited government, individual rights, and individual responsibility will result in the greatest common good. To find out more or for copies of the complete study, visit us at www.montanapolicy.org. NOTHING WRITTEN here is to be construed as an attempt to influence any election or legislative action. PERMISSION TO REPRINT this paper in whole or in part is hereby granted provided full credit is given to the author and the Montana Policy Institute. Copyright 2010 The Montana Policy Institute 67 West Kagy Blvd., STE. B Bozeman, MT 59715 406-219-0508 www.montanapolicy.org

MPI Policy Note 02-10

Public Transit in Montana