Ridership on buses and Metrolink continue to climb with double-digit increases
ORANGE, Calif. – Metrolink commuter rail and bus ridership continued to soar in September over last year as more residents discover taking public transportation is an ideal way to save money during the tough economic times.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) experienced a 12 percent increase in ridership on buses in September compared to September 2007, accounting for 651,000 additional boardings.
Metrolink service also continued to see an increase in ridership with a 29 percent jump in September compared to last year.
The ridership counts represent a change in commuter habits. With gas prices well above the national average in Orange County and many people suffering from the troublesome economy, the savings from public transportation are greater than ever.
“These numbers show that our transportation services continues providing the much-needed relief for Orange County residents,” said Art Leahy, CEO of OCTA. “Even as we experience a slight drop in fuel costs, taking public transit remains an extremely effective way for commuters to save money.”
According to an analysis from the American Public Transportation Association, commuters in Orange County can save an average of nearly $700 a month by taking OCTA’s bus system, which equates to more than $8,000 a year.
A record breaking 6.2 million riders boarded OCTA buses in July, the highest number in the agency’s history. The trend continued in August with 6 million riders.
