Indicator 5:	Public transportation ridership
	Trend
	vs. Georgia

What does it measure?
There are two indicators characterizing the usage of the public transportation bus network. First, the capture of potential market share is measured by the number of passengers on CAT busses divided by Chatham County population. Second, the intensity of usage of the public transportation network is measured by the number of passengers on CAT busses divided by total miles traveled by CAT busses. Total system route mileage traveled by busses and number of passengers was provided by the Chatham Area Transportation Authority, the fiscal year of which starts July 1 and ends June 30.

Why is it important?
Public transportation is an alternative for residents who choose not to use other means of transportation, whether for economic reasons or personal preferences. Increasing the use of public transportation is a cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion and commuting time, as well as exhaust pollution. The data provides insight about the capture of potential market share in the county. Convenience of bus schedules and route proximity to points of origin and destination will influence market share and intensity of usage. Relative differences in the cost of other forms of transportation (fuel prices, etc.) will also influence market share and intensity of usage.

How are we doing?
Riders per capita increased 4.6% from 2010 to 2011.  This number trended down from 2006 to 2009 before increasing slightly in 2010. Riders per capita reached 13.21 in 2011, having risen from 12.52 in 2009.  The number of riders per miles traveled by busses (passengers per mile) increased from 1.33 (2010) to 1.37 (2011).
 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP Source: Chatham Area Transit