Transit is not just a way to move people. It is a way to develop a region’s economy. For every dollar invested in public transit, $4–$9 is generated in local economic activity. Look at these examples:
- Minneapolis: Met Council estimates the Hiawatha light rail line generated $1.6 billion in permitted building activity from 2002-2005.
- Portland, Ore.: More than $2.8 billion has been invested within three blocks of transit service—that’s more than 7,000 housing units and 4.5 million square feet of commercial area. Private investment in the area is 31 times the amount of the public capital investment.
- Dallas, Texas: Residential properties near light rail lines increased in value by an average of 39 percent, and office buildings increased 53 percent more than comparable properties without transit service.