Transit ridership around the country has been on the rise since 2004. With the current economic climate, more people are using transit services in their community, thus increasing ridership significantly during this past year.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reports a calendar-year increase of nearly 5 percent for transit systems with ridership of 500,000 to nearly 2 million passenger trips per year.
APTA reports two contributors in ridership reaching these record numbers. More than half of vacationers look for ways to cut travel costs by using the city’s local public transportation system. Also, it’s been highly publicized that individuals can save more than $9,000 a year by riding their local public transit system.
With service enhancements such as extended weeknight and weekend hours, additional routes serving outlying communities and amenities such as new buses and park-and-ride lots, Sun Tran’s ridership growth continues to outpace the national trend.
These improvements, which have been phased-in since 2006 with funding provided by the Regional Transportation Authority, have helped to lure new riders and retain current customers. Sun Tran experienced an 11.2 percent increase in ridership for fiscal year 2008-2009 over the previous fiscal year, and an astounding 45 percent increase since 2002.
"Once people give transit a try, they realize how easy, cost-effective and convenient it is," said Katrina Heineking, Sun Tran General Manager. "We often receive positive comments from passengers. For example, recently a Sun Tran passenger called our Customer Service Center to say, ‘I love taking the bus! It’s been a fantastic experience and such a money saver.’ "