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    COTA Ridership Grows Even as Gas Prices Retreat

    Press Release wrote COTA Ridership Continues to Grow Even as Gas Prices Retreat

    The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) experienced a 10 percent increase in ridership on its fixed-route bus service for the week ending November 9, 2008, compared with the same period in 2007. Total weekly ridership was 338,961, while average weekday ridership was 61,605. Average weekday ridership on COTA has been at or above the prior year for 48 of the past 53 weeks. 23 of the last 32 weeks have seen double digit percentage increases in ridership.

    COTA�s year-to-date ridership is 13.8 million passenger trips, an increase of 1.3 million, or 10.3 percent.

    COTA officials have attributed much of the increase in ridership to higher gasoline prices in 2008. However, as gas prices retreat, people appear to be staying with transit.

    �We believe that our ongoing service expansion program, which is adding about 60,000 service hours annually, the acquisition of new coaches for the expansion of our bus fleet, and our commitment to customer service are keeping our customers aboard,� said Bill Lhota, COTA President/CEO.

    The transit authority has also experienced significant increases in monthly pass sales. In October, sales of Local monthly passes increased by 10.7 percent and Express pass sales were up an unprecedented 44 percent.

    �When customers purchase monthly passes, they are making a longer term commitment to taking transit,� Lhota said. �Even with lower prices at the pump, customers realize the savings is still substantial when compared to fuel, parking and other costs associated with driving.�

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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