CVTD HAS RECORD-BREAKING RIDERSHIP NUMBERS IN AUGUST

Logan, UT (09/04/2008) — Ridership numbers for Cache Valley Transit District were record-breaking during the week of August 27 to September 1. During this record-breaking week, there was an increase of over 6,900 riders from the same time period in 2007.

Todd Beutler, General Manager of CVTD, said that the growth in demand has come so fast and so hard that Cache Valley Transit District is having a hard time meeting the rider’s needs with their limited resources.

Beutler said, "People had to be left behind this week, and extra buses had to be instituted, because of the increased in demand for buses. The growth in ridership has been tremendous, and we are trying to do everything we can to accommodate riders. Even if it means adding additional vehicles to our crowded routes temporarily, we are doing all that we can within our means to make appropriate changes."

Last week, Beutler said that bus drivers reported having to leave an estimated 112 people at various stops because the bus was too full.

"Our goal is to never leave anyone behind, but we are held to a limited number of resources and unfortunately when those are all used up, we are limited as to how much more we can do to alleviate the demand," said Beutler.

He said, "We feel we have listened to the voice of the people when they asked us to make the routes more efficient, and when we modified our routes on August 25th, we saw a system that operates in a more timely and available manner. However, the demand for buses has increased more than we could have ever imagined in 2008, and we are in need of more resources to meet those demands."

"If citizens are concerned about the overwhelming demand," said Beutler, "we invite them to contact Cache Valley Transit District. Ultimately, it is in the people’s hands to provide CVTD with the necessary resources to grow, and we encourage their opinions and assistance."

There are several ways that riders can help alleviate the bus system, said Beutler, and on that list are items such as leaving a little earlier or work out your schedule to ride at less-congested times.

If riders are finding it a constant struggle to get on the bus, please contact the Cache Valley Transit District, as they will work to adjust the number of buses traveling different routes.

For any questions or comments, please contact Lisa Peterson at 435-752-2877 ext. 117.