MENU
SEARCHThe latest Fiscal Year 2022 report revealed an increase in ridership of 52% for Trolley and 41% for bus when compared to FY21.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a major challenge for transit agencies across the country as commute habits changed, including MTS where ridership plummeted to about 30% of normal levels in April 2020.
San Diego MTS
Ridership on San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) continues to climb, exceeding five million trips a month since March 2022.
The latest Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) report revealed an increase in ridership of 52% for Trolley and 41% for bus when compared to FY21. Between July 2021 to June 2022, Trolley ridership totaled 29.7 million trips compared to 19.5 million in the previous fiscal year. Bus ridership totaled 27.7 million trips compared to 19.6 million trips the year prior.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a major challenge for transit agencies across the country as commute habits changed, including MTS where ridership plummeted to about 30% of normal levels in April 2020. Ridership has since been able to recover to approximately 75% of pre-pandemic levels and reached approximately 200,000 weekday trips in the spring-summer of 2022.
The largest increase in Trolley ridership was seen on the UC San Diego Blue Line, which went up by 66%, jumping from 10.4 million rides the prior fiscal year to 17.4 million. In November 2021, MTS inaugurated an 11-mile Mid-Coast Trolley extension to UTC, and this allowed for the largest increase in ridership in one year for any line in the history of MTS.
Some of the largest increases in ridership were along routes that serve major school and employment centers. The Rapid 201/202/204 routes all saw over 300% jumps in ridership as UC San Diego students and staff returned to school in person.
Bus ridership also increased to more than one million trips each for the system’s highest performing bus routes which include Rapid 215 and Routes 7, 13 and 929, and serve areas of City Heights, Downtown, City College, South Bay and Grantville.
In May 2022, MTS, North County Transit District and San Diego Association of Governments launched the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) Pilot program, which allows Youth 18 and under to ride free. Following the launch of YOP, Youth bus ridership jumped 34% in the first month of free transit (May vs April 2022) and remained high in June, even as schools were no longer in session (18% increase over April 2022).
The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.
Read More →
A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.
Read More →
Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.
Read More →
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
Read More →
The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.
Read More →
The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.
Read More →
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Read More →
Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.
Read More →
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Read More →
