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In 2004, U.S. public transportation systems collectively posted 9.6 billion trips, a 2.1 percent increase compared with 2003, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Light rail ridership rose 8.2 percent — the largest increase by mode. APTA attributes the increase to several new or expanded lines. New light-rail systems opened last year in Houston; Minneapolis; Little Rock, Ark.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Trenton, N.J. Expanded lines opened in Pittsburgh; San Jose, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; New Orleans; Portland, Ore.; and Jersey City, N.J.

Meanwhile, heavy-rail and commuter-rail ridership increased 3 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.