RT Experiences Record Ridership
System Ridership Up 20 Percent, Light Rail Ridership Up 43 Percent

With gas prices at an all-time high, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) is experiencing a dramatic surge in bus and light rail ridership. Overall system ridership has increased by 20.2 percent, compared to the same period last year.

In April 2008, total monthly bus ridership was 1,429,400 – up 2.5 percent from April 2007 (despite a five percent reduction in bus service in January 2008). Last month, total monthly light rail ridership was 1,534,000 – up 43.3 percent from April 2007. Light rail ridership has steadily increased over the past year and has now surpassed bus ridership – unprecedented since light rail service began in 1987. In addition, the positive trend has carried over to usage at RT’s 18 free park-and-ride lots. The park-and-ride lots at the Historic Folsom, Iron Point, Glenn and Meadowview light rail stations are typically at capacity during the weekday commute.

“Rising gas prices and the upcoming closure of the Interstate 5 ‘boat section’ have certainly generated interest in public transit,” Mike Wiley, General Manager/CEO, stated. “RT riders are putting their money in their pockets, not the gas pump. Now, is the perfect time to try transit.”

For route, schedule and fare information, call 916-321-BUSS (2877) or visit www.sacrt.com.