By Jan Kijowski on 6/24/2010 12:00:00 AM

The MTD provided more than 10 million rides since July 1, 2009! Ridership on Monday, June 21, 2010 put the fiscal year’s total over 10 million for the fourth time in the history of the District. Riders who chose transit instead of single-occupancy vehicles saved money, reduced the impact on infrastructure, had the opportunity for exercise, and minimized negative environmental impacts.  

The increase in MTD ridership comes at a time when national transit ridership is in decline. Continuing the recent trend, in the first quarter of 2010 there was a 4% decrease in bus travel nationally as reported by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The MTD has bucked that trend and has taken measures to improve its operations by increasing services and lowering fares. In August 2009, the MTD implemented significant extension of services, introduced new routes, and drastically lowered the cost of an annual pass from $235 to only $60.  

This is the first time the MTD has exceeded 10 million riders since the introduction of Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs) in 2007. APCs employ infrared curtains to count when a passenger boards any bus at any time and provide a very accurate accounting of ridership.  

Citizens in our communities depend upon the MTD’s reliable, effective, and affordable services to get them where they need to go whether that is work, school, shopping, or entertainment destinations. The MTD’s services offer mobility and accessibility opportunities for riders. The millions of rides taken on transit instead of in single-occupancy vehicles significantly reduce the need for parking, decrease congestion, increase chances for exercise, and improve air quality. The entire community benefits from a healthy and well-used public transportation system.