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U.S. public-transportation ridership's still on a roll, thanks in large part to the transit-rail revolution.

In 2007's first six months, commuter-rail ridership increased 5.5 percent compared with the same 2006 period, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Commuter-rail-served communities posting the largest gains include Harrisburg, Pa., 47.5 percent; Dallas, 17 percent; Miami, 15.4 percent; and Oakland, Calif., 14.9 percent. Other high-growth rates occurred in Stockton, Calif., 10 percent; San Carlos, Calif., 8.7 percent; and Long Island, N.Y., 7.7 percent.

At 4.1 percent, light rail — which APTA characterizes as modern light rail, streetcars, trolleys and heritage trolleys — had the second-highest ridership growth percentage among all transportation modes. Not surprisingly, the areas reporting the highest increases in light-rail ridership opened new services during the past year. Of those, the Regional Transportation District of Denver showed the largest increase (78.9 percent). Light-rail ridership also increased at a double-digit clip in St. Louis (37.8 percent); New Orleans (34.2 percent); Kenosha, Wis. (26.5 percent); the state of New Jersey (19.8 percent); San Jose, Calif. (12.2 percent); Memphis, Tenn. (12.1 percent); and Baltimore (11.9 percent).

Nationwide, heavy-rail (subway) ridership also increased — by 2.8 percent — during 2007's first six months. The four areas showing the largest increases in ridership were Atlanta, 10.7 percent; the state of New Jersey, 7.2 percent; Staten Island, N.Y., 6.4 percent; and San Francisco, 5.9 percent.

Including bus trips, U.S. transit-takers generated 78 million more trips on public transportation during 2007's first six months compared with the same 2006 period. Moreover, 30 percent of them are new public-transportation users, APTA says.

"Whether it is because of high gas prices, increased congestion, or new and expanded transit services, more and more people are choosing public transportation," APTA President William Millar said in a prepared statement.