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10.8 Million Trips: A New Ridership Record

November 10, 2011
Category: News

Ridership on The Rapid’s regional transit service surpassed 10.8 million rides in Fiscal Year 2011, marking a 10.7 percent increase in overall ridership compared to FY 2010, according to the agency’s latest ridership report.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 10, 2011 –Ridership on The Rapid’s regional transit service surpassed 10.8 million rides in Fiscal Year 2011, marking a 10.7 percent increase in overall ridership compared to FY 2010, according to the agency’s latest ridership report.

“Our transit system is busier than ever,” said Peter Varga, CEO of the Rapid. “More and more people are choosing to ride The Rapid because it’s easy, reliable and affordable, as well as better for the environment.”

Ridership jumped across nearly every performance metric The Rapid tracks, including:

  • Regular fixed-route bus ridership provided 6,991,365 rides (11.7% increase from 2010)
  • Contracted/specialized service (GVSU, etc.) provided 3,351,225 rides (9.1% increase from 2010)
  • Demand response (ADA Service) provided 469,840 rides (6.8% increase from 2010)

The new data also shows year-over-year ridership gains during all hours of service operation:

  • Total weekday fixed-route ridership increased 10.4 percent over FY 2010.
  • Total weekday evening ridership is up 14.5 percent.
  • Total Saturday fixed route ridership is up 9.8 percent.
  • Total Sunday fixed route ridership is up 13.6 percent

“The majority of this ridership gain occurred on our fixed route service.  70% of the million new trips occurred on our fixed routes, which doesn’t include contracted route service to Grand Valley State University,” said Varga.

To keep pace with rising demand, The Rapid will significantly expand service in 2012. Two separate rounds of service enhancements – scheduled to go online in January and August – will provide riders with faster connections, more travel options and more convenience. The enhancements – approved by voters through the May 2011 millage – come as the growth in ridership outpaces capacity on regular fixed routes such as Route 50, the GVSU Campus Connector.

“The Rapid is committed to strengthening our region’s transportation network,” Varga said. “We are completely focused on building a transit system that better connects people to jobs, education and other community opportunities. This ridership data helps us continually measure and monitor our progress. The data also tells us a growing number of citizens depend on and value our service.”

To see a video from the 10 Million Rides Celebration The Rapid hosted on September 23, 2011, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlYzxvqHpH4.   For more information on The Rapid, visit www.ridetherapid.org.