Public transit is a vital force for the American economy. The American Public Transportation Association estimates that 87% of trips directly benefit the local economy, with $1 invested in public transit believed to generate $5 in economic returns. But the state of public transit in the U.S. is declining rapidly as transit across the nation faces a fiscal crisis. "If a transit system doesn't have enough money, we can limit the hour of services and the frequency of service," said Norton. Watch the video to learn more about public transit in the U.S. and why it is in decline despite its economic benefits.

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Persons: Peter Norton, Nicholas Dagen Bloom, Norton, it's Organizations: American Public Transportation Association, SEPTA, Chicago's, LA Metro, University of Virginia, Hunter College, University of Minnesota Locations: U.S, Los Angeles