Passenger trips per revenue mile is the ratio of annual passenger boardings to total annual transit revenue miles of service, a key indicator of service effectiveness.

• Fixed-Route Transit: A system for transporting multiple people that uses one or more vehicles operating on a prescribed route according to a fixed schedule. This term does not describe fixed-route air travel, ferries, or water taxis.
• Passenger Trips per Revenue Mile: The ratio of annual passenger boardings to total annual transit revenue miles of service.
• Reporting Periods
  • Yearly: Transit data reported for federal fiscal year, from October 1 to September 30.
• Transit: A travel mode in which vehicles (including buses, streetcars, street-running light rail, and commuter rail) pick up and drop off passengers at regular stops/stations.
• Transit Passenger Trips: The total number of passenger trips on transit vehicles. A trip is counted each time a passenger boards a transit vehicle. Thus, each time a passenger transfers between buses to reach a destination, it is counted as a passenger trip.
• Transit Revenue Miles: The number of annual miles a transit vehicle travels while in active service (available to pick up revenue passengers).