Transportation in Rural America: Issues for the 21st Century

Abstract

The article examines how public transportation fits into the overall transportation environment in rural America. Discussed are some of the obvious benefits of legislation such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act and the 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. The article also points out that substantial difficulties remain in servicing rural transit needs. Some examples provided of the difficulties include: rural transit may meet the mobility needs of the local traveler, yet service often stops at the county line, thus creating a disconnect; intercity bus transit is often poorly linked with other types of local transit systems; and while rural passenger transportation has become increasingly important since welfare reform was enacted in 1996, limitations of existing transit in terms of scheduling and routing still impede the ability of welfare recipients to obtain employment, make necessary childcare arrangements and keep a job.