advertisement

---

The Port Authority of Allegheny County’s ridership has increased six of the past eight months. Cumulative ridership in fiscal-year 2005 (which runs from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005) is up almost 600,000 riders compared with the same FY2004 period.

Ridership rose 7 percent, 4 percent and 5 percent in November, December and January, respectively.

"Due to the economic downturn following 9/11, and two rounds of fare increases and service reductions, the port authority has not experienced such significant, sustained ridership growth in recent years," said Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas in a prepared statement. "We are very hopeful that we are beginning to turn the corner … and will continue to see ridership increases in the months ahead."