The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority continues to see
a spike in ridership this year, reaching a record high for light
rail boardings, according to numbers provided by the agency.
Ridership during the summer typically dips due to kids being out of
school and people on vacation. Combined with the high cost of fuel
and the green consciousness to protect the environment, the total
ridership on VTA’s bus and light rail system continues to
climb.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority continues to see a spike in ridership this year, reaching a record high for light rail boardings, according to numbers provided by the agency. Ridership during the summer typically dips due to kids being out of school and people on vacation. Combined with the high cost of fuel and the green consciousness to protect the environment, the total ridership on VTA’s bus and light rail system continues to climb.
In June 2008:
– Total monthly system ridership for bus and light rail was 3,832,862, an increase of 7.6 percent over June 2007;
– Average weekday ridership was 150,320, a jump of 9 percent compared to 2007 and the highest since June of 2002;
– Average weekday bus ridership was 112,784, an increase of 10.2 percent from June of last year;
– Bus ridership for fiscal year 2008 is up 4.6 percent compared to fiscal year 2007;
– Light rail recorded an average weekday ridership of 37,536, a 5.6 percent jump from last year and the highest June average for weekday light rail ridership in VTA history.
The implementation of VTA’s new bus service this past January has also contributed to VTA’s effort to build ridership and enhance customer focus by providing services where and when it is used most, according to a press release. To alleviate overcrowding, additional light rail cars were added in a few early morning and evening trips. Moreover, bus trips were added to the ever-increasing popularity of Express Line 168 from Gilroy and Limited Stop Line 330 from south San Jose to Milpitas.
Enrollment in the Eco Pass Program has also increased by 23 percent over the past year. The Eco Pass Program provides employers of all sizes with a way to offer a low-cost employee benefit while providing alternative transportation options to employees. The Residential Eco Pass Program also offers discounts to residents of housing developments like condominiums, apartments, townhouses and neighborhood and community associations. Eight new clients have joined since January.
For more information on how to enroll in the Eco Pass Program or for personalized trip planning, contact VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, TDD only (408) 321-2330, or log onto
