Gas prices cited for record ridership in '08
By Kevin Flynn, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
If it seems a little crowded on that bus and your getting a bit familiar with the light rail rider crammed in next to you, it's because RTD ridership is up 13 percent over last year.
RTD's bus, light rail and special services logged almost 100 million riders in the 12-month period through February, the agency said Tuesday.
RTD board Chairman Lee Kemp said soaring gasoline prices are leading commuters and others to the transit service.
"It is gratifying to see that RTD continues to provide the types of service people want and need when faced with high gasoline prices," he said.
The transit agency faces fuel price increases as well, but recently was able to lock in a one-year price for diesel fuel at $3.20 a gallon.
A total of 97.8 million riders used RTD over 12 months, a record number and up from 87.6 million for the same period a year earlier. Light rail averaged nearly 68,000 riders per weekday in February, 8.7 percent higher than a year earlier, while bus service carried 5.4 million riders, an increase of nearly 15 percent.
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April 30, 2008
10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ztliano writes:
Expand the light rail and i;ll forgo my car as well. Right now, it's cheaper to buy the gas than ride your light rail.
April 30, 2008
11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
gwats writes:
Ztliano needs to smell what he's shoveling. An express pass costs $108
per month on RTD. A 25 gallon tank of regular unleaded costs $84 @ 3.35 per gallon.You'll need @ least three tanks in a month @ a cost of $251 or $3015 per year. A local pass is even a better deal.
RTD wins hands -down.
May 1, 2008
2:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
AC writes:
gwats: But that person still needs a car, so you can only discount the cost of gas for going to work and back and maybe some personal trips by bus. You're still putting some gas in the car.