New ridership numbers indicate more people are taking the bus in Austin. For the first quarter of 2002, ridership increased more than 3 percent system-wide. "We are pleased with what we’re seeing," said General Manager Karen Rae. "Last year we made significant changes in our service and we think it’s starting to pay off."

During the first quarter of 2002 (October through December), ridership increased system-wide by 3.2 percent. Fixed route, or regular bus service, ridership was up 2.5 percent. Metro averages about 120,000 passenger boardings each weekday.

After months of planning and listening to customers to find out what they wanted, Capital Metro put a number of new service changes on the streets last August. Metro extended service to new areas, added more crosstown service, and added more direct, express service. Capital Metro serves more than 4,000 destinations.

"We believe Austin’s population growth continues to be factor in our increased ridership," said Rob Smith, Director of Strategic Planning and Development at Capital Metro. "We’re also seeing gains in our ‘Dillo ridership after a period of decline following the closure of the park and ride lot at Palmer Auditorium nearly two years ago."

Smith says the first quarter numbers indicate the September 11^th tragedy has not had any significant impact on ridership.

Between 1997 and 2001, regular, or fixed-route, bus ridership has increased by 14.4 percent.