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Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) ridership is off to a strong start in 2012. During the year’s first two months, the agency carried more than 623,000 passengers on its rail systems. Increases were most notable on the Gold Line, where ridership spiked 21.6 percent in January and February compared with the same period last year.

In February, rail ridership rose 5.8 percent compared with February 2011. Ridership on the Green Line climbed 7.3 percent, while ridership on the Red, Blue and Gold lines increased 3.3 percent, 3 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.

During the past 12 months, Metro Rail average weekday boardings rose 5.9 percent. By comparison, the agency recorded a 1.9 percent increase in the prior 12-month period.

LACMTA officials expect ridership to continue to increase in 2012, particularly when the 8.6-mile Expo Line to Culver City, Calif., opens in spring.