Trend: Steady
Use of Metrobus, Metrorail and ART systems by minority and low-income populations.
Traditionally Underserved Populations, Makeup of ART Ridership vs County Population 2008-2013
| 2008 | 2013 | Arlington County (2012) | |
| Minority | 73% | 68% | 36% |
| Limited English Proficiency | 32% | 28% | 6% |
| Low-Income | 45% | 42% |
Arlington County Population and Transit Ridership Breakdown of Traditionally Underserved Populations
| Metrorail (2012) | Metrobus (2008) | Arlington County (2012) | ART (2013) | |
| Minority | 33% | 53% | 36% | 68% |
| Low-Income | 9% | 25% | 42% | 45% |
Description
This measure looks at ridership on the Metrobus, Metrorail and ART systems by minorities and low income individuals and compares their share of ridership to their share of countywide total population.
Importance
This measure demonstrates how well Arlington County's transit services are serving traditionally underserved populations. High use of Metrorail by these populations is an indicator that the County is doing a good job in providing equitable and efficient access to Metrorail for these populations who may live farther on average from Metrorail stations than other residents due to housing costs. This measure supports the MTP Goal 4: Establish Equity and Goal 1: Provide High‐Quality Transportation Services.
Current Status
Between 2008 and 2013, the share of ART riders that are minority or have a limited English proficiency (LEP) has declined. While there is a decrease in the share of riders that are traditionally underserved, during the same period there has been significant improvements in the level of service for ART as well as increases in absolute ridership. This has likely caused an increase in choice riders using the system. However, it is important to note that the ART system is still serving a share equal to or greater than the share of low-income, minority and LEP populations present in the county.
Overall, the percentage of ART riders that are low income is comparable to the county as a whole. Compared to Metrobus and Metrorail, ART ridership is also comprised of a higher breakdown of low income and minority users.
The percentage of Metrorail and Metrobus riders that are minorities is somewhat higher than the county population as a whole. However, the percentage of low-income individuals on Metrorail and Metrobus is substantially higher than the county as a whole. This is likely due to the relative inability of low-income residents to afford alternative modes of transportation – and therefore more likely to be transit-dependent.
Data Source
- ART rider surveys (2008 and 2013), 2012 Metrorail Passenger Survey, 2008 Metrobus Passenger Survey, the 2008-2012 five-year estimates from American Community Survey.