OC Transpo ridership increases 5.8% in October

Ottawa – OC Transpo ridership increased significantly for the month of October – up 5.8% over the same month in 2006. This increase continues the trend of healthy ridership growth seen in recent months. The projected ridership for 2007 is 95.1 million - an increase of 3.6% over the 91.8 million passenger trips taken in 2006. Much of this growth can be attributed to the 4.5% increase in service levels introduced in September, which offered improved service to transit customers in many areas of the city. 

Additional service improvements in 2007 included the introduction of three new routes in Kanata, the expansion of Trim Park & Ride lot, a new Park & Ride lot in Riverside South, the expansion of the rapid transit network, the introduction of Transit Special Constables, the Seniors Summer Special and the conversion to biodiesel fuel. 

While increased ridership is expected with a growing population, the number of trips per capita has also grown from 119.3 in 2006 to 121.9 in 2007. In 2000, the number of trips per capita was 114.5, which reflects a continued pattern of ridership and market penetration growth over the past seven years. 

This growth and reliance on transit as an important mode of transportation for City of Ottawa residents, highlights the importance of investing in transit and creating a sustainable, livable city. 

For more information, please contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit www.octranspo.com. 

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