Weather and high gas prices crowded more riders than ever before onto CityBus routes in February, resulting in a record month. 624,738 trips were taken on CityBus during the month, a 20% increase from last year, reported general manager Martin Sennett.
Harsh weather was the main cause for the increase, said Sennett. High gas prices and an additional day in the month this year also contributed to the gains.
The greatest increase was on the Gold Loop, which grew 49% over last year to 88,364 passenger trips. Other Campus Loop routes grew 15% to 18% for the month.
Riders also crowded onto local routes which serve other areas in both cities. Route 9 Ready2Go ridership increased 52% to 3,153 passenger trips. Route 6, which was extended in January to Co. Rd. 350 S., grew 41%, carrying an additional 4,793 riders.
Sennett identified several other reasons for the growth, including high satisfaction among CityBus riders, convenience and ease of use, and passenger concerns about the environment. A large-cross section of the community rides CityBus, including students, youth, workers, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
