Community Corner

MBTA Ridership Continues to Increase

According to figures released Wednesday, MBTA ridership increased for the 20th time in 22 months, but more fare hikes could be on the way.

People continue to use the MBTA despite mid-year fare hikes.

According to figures released by Beverly Scott, general manager of the MBTA, monthly ridership increased in November -- the 20th time ridership has increased in the last 22 months.

Daily ridership for November increased by 1.3 percent over November 2011, and averaged 1.329 million passenger trips per weekday, according to an accompanying MBTA statement Wednesday.

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The increase “continued the MBTA’s trend of modest ridership growth despite the fare increase implemented in July,” Scott said in the statement.

There was marked growth on the Red, Orange and Blue subway lines, which grew 5.6 percent in November. Originally, MBTA officials projected subway ridership to drop of 5.3 percent, the statement said.

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However, Green line and bus ridership dropped 1.6 percent and 1.5 percent in November, respectively. MBTA projected drops would be above 5 percent for both modes, according to the statement.

“The numbers continue to look very good, and we’re confident that we can maintain this trend through the winter,” Scott said in the statement.  “No matter what Mother Nature has in store for us this season, we’re committed to delivering dependable and convenient services on which commuters can rely.”

Although the ridership continues to increase, MBTA officials told the Boston Globe this week that more fare hikes and service cuts are likely on the way, unless lawmakers come up with new funding for the T

MBTA officials told the Globe they plan to hold off until at least March before making more fare or service proposals.


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