Arlington Transit ridership increased 33 percent in July over the same month last year – a record jump in ridership for the service.
During the 2008 fiscal year (July 2007 to June 2008), ART ridership rose to over 1.2 million with a significant increase in passengers that began in April and continued through July despite the typically slower summer months. The County attributes the growth to higher gas prices and the addition of larger, more rider-friendly buses introduced to the fleet in 2007.
“The demand for ART service reinforces the County’s efforts to provide multiple transit choices that are affordable, reliable and convenient for everyone,” said J. Walter Tejada, Arlington County Board Chairman. “We will continue to explore those options that best meet the community’s transit needs and support our nationally-recognized Smart Growth strategy.”
County adding higher capacity buses and new route
The County is taking steps to maximize existing resources and expand service to accommodate the ever-growing number of riders. Twelve new, higher capacity buses have been ordered to replace aging vehicles in the fleet. Scheduled to be deployed in spring 2009, these heavy-duty vehicles are powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which produces fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions. They will have low floors for easier access and more seats to increase capacity. Once the new buses arrive they will work existing routes and a new route - the ART 77 - which will serve the Courthouse, Clarendon and Shirlington villages.
“The ART 77 route will provide a much-needed connection between North and South Arlington, linking major County service and employment centers,” said Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board Member. “The addition of this route, along with the new ART buses, promises to make the commute easier for our riders, and will help attract new ones.”
Background
Now celebrating its 10th year of service, ART continues to grow. Since its inception in 1998, annual ridership has grown from 100,000 to over one million riders annually. ART weekday service includes 12 routes that supplement the regional Metrobus and Metrorail transit system.
Visit www.ArlingtonTransit.com to learn more about ART; receive up to-the-minute information on fares and schedules; or to find out more about the County’s innovative transit solutions.
Comments