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Ridership on the Music City Star rose 30 percent in March compared with March 2010 figures, Nashville’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) reported this week.

A record 25,321 riders used the service in March, eclipsing the previous record of 20,465 riders set in February.

In addition, Music City Star recently set a new record for single-day ridership when 1,374 people rode the train on April 19.

“More people are seeking other alternatives to driving their cars, and they are quickly realizing how affordable and convenient public transit can be,” RTA Chief Executive Officer Paul Ballard said in a prepared statement. “We expect this trend to continue.”

Ridership on all RTA rail and bus services climbed 39 percent in March compared with the same period a year ago. Rail ridership has been increasing even before the recent spike in gas prices, RTA officials said.