Analysis
NAICS 48511 is the 2022 NAICS industry for urban transit systems, part of 4851 (Urban Transit Systems). Census lists 28 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 17% and employment fell 14%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 618 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 47,318 people at an average annual payroll of $64,565 per employee (42nd percentile of national industries). 33% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 48711, 4884, 48521 and 48541. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Across its national industries Census lists 28 index entries; typical ones are commuter transit systems, mixed mode (e.g., bus, commuter…, commuter rail systems (except mixed mode), bus line, local (except mixed mode) and cable car systems (except mixed mode), commuter.
It splits into 4 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 485113 (Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems) with 523.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating local and suburban passenger transit systems over regular routes and on regular schedules within a metropolitan area and its adjacent nonurban areas. Such transportation systems involve the use of one or more modes of transport including light rail, commuter rail, subways, and streetcars, as well as buses and other motor vehicles.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing scenic and sightseeing transportation on land | 48711 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land |
| Providing support services to transit and ground transportation | 4884 Support Activities for Road Transportation |
| Providing interurban and rural bus transportation | 48521 Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation |
| Providing bus transportation for students and employees | 48541 School and Employee Bus Transportation |
| Providing bus shuttle services (except school and employee bus) | 48599 Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation |
Index entries (28)
- Commuter transit systems, mixed mode (e.g., bus, commuter rail, subway combination)
- Commuter rail systems (except mixed mode)
- Bus line, local (except mixed mode)
- Cable car systems (except mixed mode), commuter