San Diego agency posted record ridership in FY2014

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recorded an 11.5 percent year-over-year ridership gain in fiscal-year 2014 and broke its previous ridership record set in FY2009.

The agency logged more than 95 million passenger trips, a "significant milestone for MTS and the public transportation system in San Diego," said Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski in a press release.

"The ridership record further demonstrates that public transportation is an attractive alternative for San Diego residents and visitors," he said.

MTS officials attributed the increase to factors such as new low-floor trolley cars, reconfigured routes and passenger counting technology upgrades. An improved economy, additional service and gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon also contributed to the ridership gain.

In FY2014, MTS deployed new low-floor trolley cars on the Orange Line and realigned the Green Line to provide service all the way to downtown. The moves made trips faster, more comfortable and more convenient for all passengers, MTS officials said. The new trains help speed up the boarding process by allowing direct access and eliminating the need for mechanical lifts for people using mobility devices.

Trolley ridership in FY2014 soared nearly 34 percent to 39.7 million passenger trips compared with 29.7 million in FY2013.