August 12, 2008

TriMet tops record 9 million rides in July

TriMet MAX and bus ridership sets new records in July 2008 for the fourth consecutive month:

• 9.2 million monthly rides on bus and MAX were taken during the month–the first time monthly rides have been greater than 9 million–and a 13.3 percent increase over July 2007.
• Monthly rides on MAX set a new record, 3,457,200 trips, a 13.2 percent increase over July 2007.
• Monthly rides on buses, totaling 5,756,200 trips, were up 13.3 percent over July 2007.
• Weekday rides on MAX set a new record, averaging 122,700 boardings, a 10.9 percent increase over July 2007.
• Weekday bus trips increased 11.3 percent over July 2007, averaging 218,300 rides.
• Rush hour ridership continues to grow, with bus trips up 16.5 percent and MAX trips up 13.8 percent compared to July 2007.

"Four months of record ridership shows our buses and MAX trains continue to provide an alternative to driving," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. "Riders are looking for ways to help offset high fuel prices and TriMet is a great alternative."    

Making transit easy to ride

TriMet's online trip planner makes it easy to plan a trip, with information on the options, travel and walk times, transfers and cost. Visit trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE (7433) weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

TransitTracker

Real time arrival information is available for all 7,600 bus stops and 64 MAX stations. Find out when your bus or MAX train will arrive by checking TransitTracker online or by calling 503-238-RIDE (7433) and entering the stop ID number.