Bay Area Rapid Transit(BART) reported record ridership during Christmas week. Currently, the extension and airport station operates at a loss.
We don’t understand why…with moderately convenient public transportation to the airport, why people would not take advantage of it to avoid the hassles of driving to the airport. Cities have invested money in these buses and trains to the airport.
For that matter…why do so many people drive in areas where they could take advantage of public transportation? It is a question beyond the scope of this blog…but if a train is inexpensive…why not?
In New York City, for example, the Port Authority spent years building the Airtrain at JFK. Many opponents said it would be a better move to link the city subway system to the airport. The Airtrain is not ideal, and it costs five dollars to take it to the subway or Long Island Railroad…but it is a useful link for those willing to take advantage of it.