Data Source: National Transit Database, Department of Transportation; PIIRA Database, California Energy Commission.
Analysis by CEC Economics
Data Source: National Transit Database, Department of Transportation; PIIRA Database, California Energy Commission.
Analysis by CEC Economics
Highlights
- Post-pandemic, as remote or hybrid work arrangements have continued, motor vehicle fuel production of gasoline (-14.1%) and diesel (-40.8%) continued to trend below 2019 levels in 2024.61 Meanwhile, unlinked passenger trips (UPTs, which represent the number of times passengers board public transportation vehicles), remained 23.2% lower in 2024 than the pre-pandemic level in 2019. However, the number of UPTs increased by 9% from 2023 to 2024 as the LA Metro, SF Muni, and Bay Area CalTrain see increases in ridership in 2024.62, 63, 64
- After a brief rebound from 2020 to 2021, fuel production resumed its pre-pandemic declining trends. Compared to 2023, production of gasoline (-5.9%) and diesel (-16.0%) totaled 403.9 million barrels, down 35.3 million barrels or 8.0% relative to 2023. On the other hand, UPTs continued to recover, rising 9.0% from 2023 to 2024.
61 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Motor Fuel & Highway Trust Fund stopped publishing data after July 2023. As a result, motor vehicle fuel consumption data has been replaced by California Energy Commission’s Petroleum Industry Information Reporting Act (PIIRA) database.
62 LA Metro. LA Metro’s 2024 Ridership Soars to More Than 311 Million Marking Significant Growth. February 21, 2025. https://www.metro.net/about/la-metros-2024-ridership-soars-to-more-than-311-million-marking-significant-growth/
63 City of San Francisco. San Francisco’s Muni Hits 75% in Ridership Recovery, Making Significant Milestone in the City’s Recovery. March 31, 2025. https://www.sf.gov/news-san-franciscos-muni-hits-75-in-ridership-recovery-making-significant-milestone-in-the-citys-recovery
64 Governor of California. Ridership for this critical train line is surging thanks to California’s investments in rail. April 9, 2025. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/09/ridership-for-this-critical-train-line-is-surging-thanks-to-californias-investments-in-rail/
More About
Transportation
Related Content