Mass Transit Impact on Energy Consumption

The United States total transportation energy consumption represents 25% of our domestic consumption and 55% of our petroleum consumption, and it is expected to continue in these proportions in the foreseeable future. We currently have a petroleum import requirement that is projected to increase by the mid-1980s to 50% of the total petroleum consumption, comparable to the projected total transportation energy consumption at that time. The paper discusses the current structure of our transportation services and energy consumption, with particular emphasis on the public transit modes: bus, taxi, rapid transit, trolley, and commuter rail. Data are drawn from various sources and integrated to form an overall view of urban transit impact on energy consumption. Several option examples for conserving public and private transit energy are identified and evaluated for comparison purposes. Comments are included regarding other impacts concerning the optional examples selected.