[Press Release] : Columbia Transit exceeds 2 million riders

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2009


CONTACT: Public Works Department
(573) 874-7250

Columbia Transit exceeds 2 million riders
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - The city of Columbia announced that Columbia
Transit has exceeded its long-standing goal of 2 million riders - with a
total ridership of 2,007,263 in fiscal year 2009, which ended Sept.
30.	
	“We are pleased to report increases with the fixed route
system, as well as campus shuttles and ParaTransit services”, said Ken
Koopmans, transportation manager for the city of Columbia. “These
numbers definitely show growing support for public transportation.”
	Despite initially forecasting a decrease in ridership when the
city increased fares, Columbia Transit still experienced an increase of
6.43 percent in fiscal year 2009. In October 2008, Columbia Transit
established a new fee structure for the public transportation system,
which had not changed in over 22 years. The fare increases were needed
for the additional expenses, including rising fuel cost that hit Transit
that year. Adult fares increased from 50 cents to $1; and children,
student, Medicaid, low-income and senior citizen fares increased from 25
cents to 50 cents.
	According to the Federal Transit Administration, on an average
weekday, the nation's public transportation system carries over 29
million riders. Based on a national study conducted by the American
Public Transportation Association, individuals who ride public
transportation can save on average $9,190 annually based on the Nov. 9,
2009, national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly
parking rate. 
	Columbia Transit continues to offer opportunities for citizens
to try transit to see if it fits their schedules and needs, and educate
them on the importance of public transportation. 
	“Try Transit Day in May 2009 offered citizens an opportunity
to try the bus service for free” said Drew Brooks, transportation
supervisor for Columbia Transit. “We saw an increase of more than 30
percent in just that one day, so we know our efforts are paying off.”

	Columbia Transit has received several awards in recent years.
Among them was an award from the Federal Transportation Administration
Region 7 for the highest increase in transit passenger ridership for the
state of Missouri. Columbia Transit was also awarded LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2008 for restoring the
Wabash Station, which serves as the main hub for Columbia’s bus
system.
	For more information on Columbia Transit or to view the map and
schedules, visit www.GoColumbiaMo.com (search GoBus) or call (573)
874-7282.

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