San Diego Trolley powers MTS FY14 ridership

San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) says its public transit network generated 95,010,550 in fiscal year 2014, which ended June 30, 2014, up 11.5% from FY13 and a record.

The San Diego Trolley, which began revenue service in 1981 as the first modern U.S. light rail transit operation, powered the ridership increase, carrying 39.7 million passengers, up 34% from FY13. The Blue Line, the oldest of four LRT routes MTS operates and linking downtown San Diego with San Ysidro, Calif. (and the U.S.-Mexican border), remains the busiest, but all lines gained ridership.

“Serving 95 million passengers over a 12-month period is a significant milestone for MTS and the public transportation system in San Diego,” MTS CEO Paul Jablonski said. “MTS provides critical transportation services for the region, helping residents get to places such as work, school and entertainment venues. The ridership record further demonstrates that public transportation is an attractive alternative for San Diego residents and visitors.”

MTS credited the LRT ridership rise to the continued introduction of new low-floor LRVs, reconfigured routes (including a Silver Line loop serving downtown, and including a restored PCC car), and passenger counting technology upgrades. An improved economy, additional service and gas prices of more than $4 per gallon also contributed, MTS said.

Ridership on the MTS bus system dipped 1%, which MTS attributed to construction delays on major routes.