Sun Metro Sees Increase in Ridership during First Quarter

Sun Metro ridership was increased by 8.15 percent during the first quarter of 2010 while national ridership figures saw a 3.32 percent decrease for bus systems with city populations between 500,000 and 1,999,999, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). A snapshot of area agencies reporting to the national transportation association shows a decrease in bus ridership by most transit agencies. During times of economic distress, public transportation systems typically experience ridership declines because fewer people are commuting to work, and funding from municipalities and transit agencies shrink. “Despite negative economic national trends, Sun Metro has been able to perform well,” said Sun Metro Director Jay Banasiak. “We’ve been working very hard to provide a better service to our community by improving our on-time performance and giving our riders amenities that make public transportation more attractive and accessible.” To see the full report, visit www.apta.com/ and enter “first quarter 2010 public transit ridership” in the search field.