IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brooks Newkirk (704) 432-2549
CATS REACHES HIGHEST DAILY WEEKDAY RIDERSHIP IN 60 YEARS
FY09 ridership off to a great start as more and more commuters ride public transportation
Charlotte, N.C., August 19, 2008 „Ÿ If you noticed new faces on your train or bus, that is because 40 percent more riders took public transportation in July 2008 compared to the same time last year. That is over 2.3 million trips taken on Charlotte Area Transit Systemfs (CATS) network of services; an average of more than 90,000 daily weekday rides. This marks CATS highest weekday ridership in more than 60 years. gWith the rising cost of gas, the investment the region made in public transportation over the past several years is today providing commuters a great alternative to driving their cars,h said Keith Parker, CATSf Chief Executive Officer.
The addition of the LYNX Blue Line played a big part in Julyfs ridership increase as more than 439,896 trips were taken throughout the month; an average of 16,936 daily weekday rides. However, even without the addition of the LYNX Blue Line, bus ridership was up more than 13 percent from July 2007. Revenue also soared to $2.3 million (unaudited), up more than 87 percent over last year.
Regional express routes, which serve six counties surrounding Charlotte, experienced the largest ridership growth with an increase of 45.2 percent since last July, while ridership on local and express routes increased 14 percent. Special Transportation Services (STS) ridership grew 9.5 percent and Community Circulators saw a 32.3 percent ridership increase.
gWhat wefre experiencing now with ridership is incredible,h said Parker. gItfs great to see the community embracing our services in such large numbers. Despite high fuel costs, CATS has been able to maintain its goal of providing quality, affordable transportation that meets the needs of our customers.h
To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.
