Should transit agency boards reflect the population?

What is happening? A recent study of transit agencies across 11 cities found that transit boards do not reflect people who ride bus, subway or rail. “Too often members are old, white and male and don’t use transit much or at all.”

Why is this important? “In New York, 88 percent of riders live in the city but only 18 percent of board seats go to their representatives. In Philadelphia, 71 percent of riders are urban residents but they only get 13 percent of board seats.”

How will this be important? AS doe Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: ” Of the 11 cities covered, nonwhite residents comprised 63 percent of ridership but only 36 percent of boardmembers. Women were just 30 percent of boardmembership while making up a little over half of ridership.”

Governing | There’s a Big Difference Between Transit Boards and Riders