"In terms of ridership, it is the best of times for public transit. In 2008, Americans made 10.7 billion trips on buses and trains, the highest annual ridership since 1956.

Public transit remains dense with commuters who dumped their cars when the price of gas made driving to work untenable last year. Millions continue to enjoy the convenience, lower cost and environmental friendliness of transit even after gas prices have dropped.

But even with impressive gains in riders -- 6.5 percent over the previous year -- this is also the worst of times for transit."  For the complete editorial, please click here.