OC Transpo sees increasing ridership

According to a city release, more people than ever chose public transit last month, setting a new record with 8.4 million passengers.

Compared to December 2007, OC Transpo achieved an increase of 6.5 per cent in monthly ridership, the city release states. The total exceeded budged estimates for the month by 2.8 per cent. The December numbers continue a trend of rising ridership, and at this pace 2010 ridership will top 100 million rides, establishing a new yearly record.

“This is exciting news for OC Transpo and supports our long-term commitment to provide excellent service for transit customers,” transit committee chair Coun. Alex Cullen said in a release.

Along with improvements in the east, OC Transpo also opened the first section of the west Transitway through Pinecrest and Bayshore stations. A new park-and-ride lot was opened in Riverside South and there were service improvements in the Westboro-Britannia area.

Meanwhile, Route 95 now has 24-hour service, seven days a week. Route 94 serves southern Orléans later in the evening.

“With the stability of improved services in place through 2010, and as future service improvements take shape, OC Transpo anticipates that measured growth will continue to achieve a record high ridership target of 101 million rides in 2010,” said OC Transpo General Manager Alain Mercier.