Transit ridership rises 3.3% in third quarter

U.S. transit ridership grew 3.3% during the third quarter of 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The increased ridership could be partially attributed to high gas prices. The Federal Highway Administration reported that vehicle miles of travel decreased 0.2% during the same period. APTA's third-quarter statistics reflected increases in all types of public transportation. Light rail showed the largest increase at 8.8%. Commuter rail showed the second-highest increase at 4.6%. Meanwhile, bus ridership was up 2.5%.