IMPACT OF THE SHUT-DOWN OF THE BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON COUNTY TRANSIT AUTHORITY

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, principal operator in the Birmingham, Ala., urbanized area, was shut down for 3 months due to lack of funds, starting March 1, 1981. At the time fare box revenue accounted for 50% of the available funding, federal sources accounted for 25% and most of the remainder came from ad valorem taxes of numerous municipalities and the county served by BJCTA. After raising fares and cutting service in autumn 1980, the transit board concluded that an unmanageable deficit would result in 1981 because the Alabama legislature did not make added funds available. The March 1981 shut-down forced 12,000 riders to find other modes. Three organized alternatives were available: Emergency Volunteer Transportation System, a church-run transit service using church-owned vans and buses; Commuter Services, Inc., a non-profit MPO group providing free emergency ridesharing information; and Yellow Cab School Service for school child transport. After surveys, this study concluded that there was a 9.6% decline in downtown retail sales; that 11,000 transit users had generally found alternative modes; and that up to 250, unable to find other transport, had quit or had been laid off. A vastly reduced BJCTA service resumed June 1, 1981.

• Corporate Authors:

  Birmingham Regional Planning Commission

  Birmingham, AL  United States 
• Publication Date: 1981-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abandonment; Deficits; Finance; Financing; Retail trade; Ridership; Ridesharing
• Identifier Terms: Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
• Subject Areas: Finance; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367410
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 1982 12:00AM