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RIVERSIDE, CA — November 12, 2008 — The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) has experienced its second consecutive month of record ridership and is now on pace to reach eight million boardings for the year, which would be the most in the Agency’s 31-year history.
RTA buses handled more than 817,000 boardings in October, which is 24 percent higher than October of last year. Ridership on CommuterLink express routes was up 70 percent and Dial-A-Ride boardings climbed 25 percent. Those results surpass RTA’s previous monthly record of 757,000 boardings set in September.
So far this year, RTA buses have handled 6.7 million boardings. And with two months to go, the Agency is on track to surpass its previous annual record of 7.6 million boardings set in 2004.
“We have created a bus system that is now providing more trips than at any other time in its history,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Karen Spiegel. “Now more than ever people are yearning for alternative ways to get around, and this record ridership certainly speaks to that demand.”
Multiple factors appear to be driving the RTA ridership upward.
In January, RTA made improvements to nearly half of its routes, extending service to growing communities and popular destinations. Another wave of upgrades in September enhanced access to schools and Metrolink stations. Additionally, concerns over fuel costs, the sluggish economy and the environment may be prompting a growing number of passengers to ride the bus. RTA ridership is also getting a boost from free-ride programs at area colleges.
The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 39 fi xed 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. |
