Introduction
The MBTA System-Wide Passenger Survey, also known as the Rider Census, collects data annually about who uses the transit system and how they choose to do so. The newly created Rider Census Dashboard ensures that this data is easily accessible, allowing users to explore through interactive charts in addition to the data available for download on the Open Data Portal.
This blog post delves into what the Rider Census is, how the data is collected, and how to use the new dashboard to gain better understanding about the rider behavior and demographics.
What is the Rider Census?
The Rider Census is an agency-wide ridership survey of MBTA passengers. It covers all transit methods: bus, subway, Commuter Rail, ferry, and the RIDE. Riders are asked to answer questions about demographic characteristics (race, income, age, and English proficiency, purpose of their trip, and how they utilize the system.
In 2022, the MBTA transitioned from conducting this survey once every 5 years, to a rolling data collection method. Now, data is collected yearly to improve consistency and coverage while allowing us to include data from new or modified services – like GLX or routes changed as part of Bus Network Redesign. The new dashboard shows the pooled results from the 2022, 2023 and 2024 survey periods, allowing us to report statistically valid data for specific rail stations or bus routes.
Rider Demographics: Who Uses the MBTA?
One of the most important insights from the most recent Rider Census data is the age distribution of the passengers of the MBTA. The survey findings show that 62% of riders are between 18 and 34 years old, showing that the majority of public transit users are composed of younger people. This is seen most clearly on the Green Line, where 35% of the riders are ages 18-25, emphasizing that the line is heavily used by college-aged students and younger people. In contrast, when looking at ferry data, working-age groups use this mode more than others, with 35% of ferry riders aging 35-44,indicating its popularity for commuters and people more likely to have young families.
Gender distribution across all modes remains mostly consistent with past years, as 56% of MBTA passengers identify as female, 42% as male, and 1% as non-binary. Most transit modes fall under this gender distribution, except for the Mattapan Trolley, which has an almost equal split between female and male riders. This distribution tracks with national transit patterns, which show women tend to make up more of transit ridership than men.
Income levels among MBTA Riders also reveal notable trends. Seventy-eight percent of riders across all modes identify as low-income1, which is an increase from the previously reported total of 75% in 2022-2023. The Mattapan Trolley is an exception here too, with 91% of low-income riders, showing the importance of the line in lower income communities.
Diversity continues to be a integral part of MBTA ridership. According to the latest findings, 26% of MBTA riders identify as part of a minority racial or ethic group. Once again, the Mattapan Trolley is an exception with 61% of passengers identifying as Black or African-American.
1 Note that this definition of “low-income” reflects a definition of 80% of the Area Median Income from the MBTA’s Service and Fare Change Equity Policy, and the 200% of the federal poverty line as used in the MBTA’s Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program.
Using the Dashboard
The Rider Census Data Explorer Tool Dashboard was created to help users understand the demographic of passengers and how their travel patterns vary across different modes. There are pages for bus data, rapid transit data, and Commuter Rail data. The survey data has three main data categories:
- Demographics– Users can view the racial, age, income, and language profiles of MBTA passengers
- Trip Purpose – Users can see how trip purposes (e.g. school, work, shopping) differ
- Access to Transportation – Users can view how riders get to MBTA services (e.g. walk distance, bike, vehicle ownership)
At the top of every page there are filters that allow the user to toggle between different modes and demographic subgroups. As the user adjusts the filters, the charts update to show the relevant data.
Each chart includes features that the user can hover-over to show labels and exact percentages. The dashboard is optimized for viewing on any device.
For example, a user can:
- Compare demographic characteristics between survey years
- Analyze how trip purposes vary by mode
- Filter for ferry riders and view the income distribution
The dashboard also includes maps for each mode that highlights the station/route reporting group being represented by the data selection.
The dashboard was created to be accessible and easy to navigate. Whether you are a student working on a report, a community member interested in how the system is being used, or a planner looking for trends, this dashboard allows you to get a deeper understanding of how this system is used, who uses it, and how they use it. If users are curious about the methodology of the data, they can refer to full technical notes at the bottom of the dashboard.
Methodology
The data from the dashboard was collected through surveys conducted by staff across all MBTA modes and service periods. The transition to a rolling data collection improved the data collection and allows for more consistency and up to date reporting. The full methodology is detailed in the technical documentation available on the Rider Census webpage.
Explore the Dashboard
To learn more about how the MBTA is used, who its riders are, and how travel patterns vary, visit the Rider Census Dashboard today!
