Capital Metro's Ridership Increases with National Trend
| Misty Whited | Erica McKewen |
| (512) 389-7572 | (512) 369-6085 |
| (512) 844-5090 cell | (512) 401-7665 cell |
Capital Metro's Ridership Increases with National Trend
Public Transit Saves Money, Reduces Stress June 3, 2008NEWS FACTS
- While recent national figures reflect more Americans are utilizing public transit, Capital Metro is also experiencing a system-wide increase in ridership.
- During the first four months of 2008 (Jan-April), Central Texans took 677,914 more trips than the same time period in 2007, an increase of 6.1 percent.
- Significantly, ridership from park and ride facilities has increased 13.3 percent the first four months of 2008 compared to a year prior.
- With average gas prices in the Austin area reaching nearly $4 a gallon, Capital Metro offers the most affordable way to travel, saving money on fuel and vehicle repairs.
- According to the American Public Transit Association, each year households using public transportation save over $1,399 worth of gas.
- Commuters can visit www.capmetro.org and use the commute cost calculator to learn how much money they can save by using public transit instead of their own vehicles.
- Capital Metro's RideShare program also offers commuters the opportunity to save money by joining or forming carpools or vanpools. Contact 477-RIDE for more information.
- Later this year, Central Texans will have another option for commuting when Capital MetroRail service begins weekdays from Leander to Downtown Austin.
- A bus trip planner and route and schedule information are available on Capital Metro's Web site or by calling (512) 474-1200.
- Trip planning also is available on Google Transit, google.com/transit, or via Dadnab by sending a text message to austin@dadnab.com.
- Capital Metro encourages the community to dump the pump and give mass transit a try in June, as June 19 is National Dump the Pump Day.
MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
QUOTES
- "With gas prices increasing everyday, many more people are realizing the
financial benefits of riding the bus. Capital Metro works hard to provide a safe
and efficient service that helps alleviate the rising costs of everyday life in our
community."
-- Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO
ABOUT CAPITAL METRO Capital Metro's mission is to provide quality public transportation choices for our community that meet the needs of our growing region. Capital Metro provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing an average of up to 140,000 one way trips per day. The fixed route bus system includes metro, flyer and express routes, downtown 'Dillo circulator routes, and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides special transit services for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service. Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system that will extend 32 miles between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. Beginning this fall Capital MetroRail will serve nine stations providing convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. MetroRail is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan which includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride lots.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200