Monterey Salinas-Transit (MST) has increased its ridership, posting a record 4.9 million passenger boardings by the end of MST’s fiscal year in June of 2006.

“In sheer numbers, MST had 53,039 more passenger boardings than last year,” said Carl Sedoryk, General Manager and CEO of MST. “With dramatic increases in the price of fuel, rising interest rates and automobile insurance, more and more people in Monterey and around the country are finding public transit to be a cost-effective and convenient means to travel to work, school, shopping, and recreational destinations. In June alone, MST ridership increased 10% over the same time period last year.”

While much of the ridership increase is attributed to rising fuel prices, the agency’s continuous improvement of routes and schedules to maximize efficiency and customer convenience has also resulted in increased patronage. The bus system in Salinas was redesigned in the fall of 2004 after extensive research and passenger surveys. The Peninsula service improvement studies have just been completed, with improved routes and schedules to be introduced in the fall of 2006.

MST expects the upward trend in ridership to continue. “There are several factors that contribute to the growth we’ve experienced. Besides the improvements to our services, and continuously rising fuel prices, our ability to provide transportation to a wide range of population needing mobility – from rural residents to youth, disabled and elderly citizens - plays a key role in getting more people on the bus. Moreover, increased awareness of environmental and health issues also contribute to ever-rising use of public transportation,” said Sedoryk.

While ridership has grown significantly, so have costs to provide needed additional services. Also increasing demand for transit strains the limited capacity that MST can provide as current funding does not allow for increased buses or service hours. Passenger fares cover only 27% of the costs to provide service, with the balance being paid from local and federal transportation funds, and other available grants. While a majority of transit agencies of a similar size in California are supported by a percentage of sales tax or other fees dedicated to transportation, Monterey County does not have a source of revenue solely dedicated for transit purposes.