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For the first time since fall 2008, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) increased ridership for three consecutive months. May gains followed increases in April and March.

In May, average weekday ridership increased 3 percent to 1.26 million compared with May 2009. On the Red, Blue and Orange subway lines, average weekday ridership rose from 475,600 in May 2009 to 490,000 in May 2010.

Ridership increases primarily can be attributed to continuing improvements to Massachusetts' economy and employment levels, according to MBTA.