Why it matters: Transit agencies could see an annual shortfall of as much as $38 billion due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to TransitCenter. At the same time, they’re more important than ever, with more than 36% of essential workers relying on public transportation to get to work.

“There’s never been a time in which transit in one fell swoop has taken such a hit,” said Sam Schwartz, CEO of Sam Schwartz Engineering and former New York City traffic commissioner.

Between the lines: Most public transit systems are operating at only 10% capacity — with skeletal schedules with minimal crews — to transport essential workers to their jobs at hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies and grocery stores, per Paul Skoutelas, CEO of the American Public Transportation Association.

But even with drastic drops in ridership, busier systems are still struggling with sporadic crowding and workers have fallen ill — increasing the risk that the transit systems themselves could contribute to the spread of the virus.