Canadian Transit Ridership Marks Another Record Year

[marmar]

from Canada NewsWire, via MassTransitMag:



Canadian Transit Ridership Marks Another Record Year

Canada NewsWire





Public transit ridership statistics for 2007 showed an increase of 3.1% nationally for a record 1.76-billion trips, as reported today by the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA).

"For the fifth consecutive year, Canadian transit systems are setting ridership records," says CUTA President & CEO Michael Roschlau. "The growth is an increase of 52 million trips, which is more than the entire ridership at a transit system the size of Winnipeg, Québec City or GO Transit (the regional commuter service in the Greater Toronto Area).

"Canadians are choosing transit at unprecedented levels," adds CUTA Chair Steve New. "Transit riders understand the importance of their travel choice in reducing emissions in our cities and communities and in easing traffic congestion."

Examples of communities that experienced double digit increases in 2007 are: Charlottetown PEI (25.5%); Kelowna BC (18.1%); Saskatoon SK (17.0%); Laurentides QC (14.9%); Whitehorse YT (11.2%); and, Brandon MB (10.3%).

"Keeping and attracting even more new riders to continue this trend is dependent on long-term, predictable investment to increase service," adds Roschlau. "Sustainable growth needs to be matched with predictable and sustainable funding." .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=6259