News & Events: Press Releases
April 3, 2007
TROLLEY EXPERIENCES INCREASED RIDERSHIP
Bay Town Trolley Reports Strong Ridership Numbers for Month of March
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - It seems that the trolley is off to a strong start in 2007 following the record-breaking milestone of surpassing a quarter of a million riders just last year. Representatives from Bay Town Trolley are ecstatic to announce that ridership numbers continue to see fast-paced growth. March 2007 riders reached 30,523, bringing the yearly total to 80,187 passengers. This represents a 16 percent increase from the total number of customers at this time last year and a 26 percent increase from last month's February ridership.
Ridership trends across the country are showing a resounding increase as compared to previous years. Nationally, 10.1 billion trips in 2006 contributed to the highest level of transit ridership in nearly five decades. In fact, since 1995 use of public transit is up 30 percent. This exceeds the growth rate of both the U.S. population and vehicle miles traveled on our nation's highways.
"With such tremendous growth, it seems evident that public transit is slowly becoming a staple not only in our community but for the American public as a whole," said Doug Boice, General Manager for Bay Town Trolley. "We pride ourselves on being able to move people - whether it's to work, the doctor or home to a family."
With the price of gas rising and falling throughout the year, it becomes clear that oil isn't the only reason for sharp increases in public transit riders. Growth in Panama City has been attributed to several factors including: increased road congestion, overall cost savings to passengers and necessary route improvements.
"We are always striving to better serve our riders," said Beth Coulliette, Executive Director of Bay Town Trolley. "Between the Rider Under Cover initiative plus added benches and shelters throughout the community, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the customer experience."
Bay Town Trolley is an award-winning transit system that serves the growing needs of Bay County, Monday through Friday, with hundreds of stops daily. For more information about Trolley routes and service call (850) 769-0557 or visit www.BayTownTrolley.org. Bay Town Trolleys are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts.
More releases