Systemwide Ridership Report

First quarter ridership on Sound Transit buses and trains was up 8 percent compared with the same period last year, increasing from 3.6 to 3.9 million boardings. While this increase is impressive, it actually represents a slowdown in the very high growth rate Sound Transit has been experiencing since early 2007 and undoubtedly reflects the current state of the economy. Looking at the month-to-month boarding totals, ridership growth has clearly been tapering off, and if this trend continues, Second Quarter results may show declines compared with 2008 since last year’s totals were inflated by very high gasoline prices. No service improvements or significant service changes were implemented during the quarter, and there were no significant disruptions to service on any of Sound Transit’s three current lines of business.

ST Express buses continued to show impressive ridership growth during the First Quarter, increasing by 10 percent overall. Sounder trains showed the lowest growth rate, increasing by 2 percent compared with 2008, although average weekday boardings, a good indicator of commuter ridership, increased by 5 percent. Tacoma Link boardings increased by 3 percent.