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RIVERSIDE, CA — October 20, 2008 — The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) experienced a record surge in ridership during September, evidence that more people are riding the bus even as summertime gas prices continue their plunge.
RTA buses recorded more than 757,000 boardings in September, a record-setting 28 percent increase compared to September of last year. Ridership on CommuterLink express routes was equally remarkable with a 97 percent jump from a year ago. Dial-A-Ride boardings skyrocketed 31 percent.
“We are committed to keeping this momentum going, and ensuring that our customers continue to receive the first-rate service they have come to expect,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Karen Spiegel. “This is very exciting news.”
Multiple factors appear to be driving the ridership skyward. In January, RTA made upgrades to nearly half of its routes, expanding service to growing communities and popular destinations. Another series of upgrades in September improved access to schools and Metrolink stations. Additionally, concerns over the economy and the environment may be prompting a growing number of passengers to trade their car keys for a bus pass.
RTA ridership is also getting a boost from free-ride programs at area colleges. At University of California at Riverside, the successful U-Pass generated roughly 110,000 boardings on RTA buses during Fiscal Year 2008, an increase of 60 percent compared to Fiscal Year 2007. And a new program at Riverside Community College District launched in August generated more than 60,000 boardings during its first five weeks.
Among the routes showing the greatest ridership increases were CommuterLink Route 206, which connects Temecula and Lake Elsinore to Corona (122 percent); Hemet’s Route 33 (165 percent); San Jacinto’s Route 42 (156 percent); the UCR Crest Cruiser trolley (160 percent); and the Route 61, which connects Sun City to Temecula (271 percent). RTA’s most popular route, Route 1, which travels between Corona and Riverside, handled more than 150,000 passengers in September, an increase of 24 percent compared to last year.
The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 39 fixed routes, 7 commuter routes and Dial-A-Ride service. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second largest in the nation. For bus route and schedule information contact RTA at (800) 800-7821 or log on to our website at www.RiversideTransit.com. |
