San Jose - The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has released ridership numbers for October that show increases among both bus and light rail service. Bus ridership increased by almost 11% over the same period last year with more than 3.3 million riders. Light rail service had more than 1 million monthly riders for an even bigger percentage gain of more than 16%.
VTA spokeswoman Jennie Loft says the system has made several changes and additions that helped increase ridership. 14 express trips have been added in the South County area during commute hours. A new bus shelter was installed at De Anza College. VTA also increased the number of light rail trips from Downtown San Jose following Sharks home games at HP Pavilion, which saw a 20% increase over the last year.
Loft says the high price of gasoline and a growing environmental awareness among county residents are also helping increase mass transit use.
