Critics sometimes point out that public transit requires more public subsidy per passenger-mile than automobile travel, but this comparison is unfair (“Transit Evaluation,” VTPI 2009). About half of transit subsidies are intended to provide basic mobility (service at times and locations with low demand, and special services for people with disabilities), which requires large subsidy per passenger-mile. Transit operates on major urban corridors where any form of transport is costly to provide. In addition, automobile travel receives significant non-government subsidies such as free parking. When properly evaluated, public transit often turns out to be more cost effective and require less.
