Data: Metropolitan Transit System; Note: Combined bus and Trolley ridership; Chart: Axios Visuals
Ridership on the Metropolitan Transit System reached 75.7 million in fiscal 2024 — or 10% above 2023 levels.
Why it matters: Ridership on the agency's bus and trolley system cratered in 2020 but has slowly recovered to now hover around 85% of its pre-pandemic level.
By the numbers: All three trolley lines and the agency's overall bus service posted ridership increases in fiscal 2024, which ended in June.
Ridership grew 11.5% on the Blue Line, 8.8% on the Green Line, 6% on the Orange Line and 10.8% overall.
What they're saying: CEO Sharon Cooney attributed the MTS rebound to fewer people working from home and affordability.
"With inflation, rising costs of housing and strained pocketbooks, residents are looking for any way they can to save money," she said in a release. "Taking transit is a great way to do that."
Yes, but: MTS is facing a significant structural budget deficit, based on the loss of ridership during and after the pandemic. Fare revenue accounts for 25% of the agency's budget.