NEWARK, N.J. — N.J. Transit closed Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) with the fourth consecutive year of systemwide ridership growth, with preliminary data showing a 4.1 percent increase to a record-high 250.9 million annual trips, up from the 241.1 million trips carried on the system’s bus, rail and light rail services in Fiscal Year 2006.
The Corporation’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
“Given our strong regional economy and job market and sustained higher fuel prices, more New Jersey residents than ever are relying on public transportation,” said Gov. Jon S. Corzine. “This continuing trend of record-high ridership on our state’s transit network underscores the critical need for additional capacity expansions such as the ARC project and enhanced intrastate bus service.”
“Transit is a good choice for many commuters, and we’re working to make it an even better choice for even more commuters,” said Transportation Commissioner and N.J. Transit Board Chairman Kris Kolluri.
Bus ridership reached 159.1 million, with an increase of 1.4 percent setting a new record above the 156.9 million posted in 2006. Commuter routes serving New York City and northern New Jersey showed gains, as well as local routes in southern New Jersey.
“As we approach ridership of 900,000 trips per weekday, N.J. Transit is a more vital link in the transportation network than at any time in our history, and looking forward, we are the future of mobility in the State and the region,” said N.J. Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles.
N.J. Transit rail lines posted gains across the board for peak (up approximately six percent), off-peak (up approximately five percent) and weekend (up approximately seven percent) service, with ridership reaching 73 million passengers trips — an increase of six percent above 2006’s record-setting 68.8 million.
Light rail ridership increased 22.4 percent to 18.8 million passenger trips over the record of 15.4 million in 2006. Growth occurred throughout the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail—which opened two new stations in February 2006—and the new Newark Light Rail extension to Broad Street Station that launched service in July 2006.
N.J. Transit has recorded ridership gains in 19 of the 28 years it has operated the State’s transportation system. Ridership levels have increased 41.7 percent since the agency formed in 1980.
Final ridership data will be released with the Corporation’s annual report in the fall.
— Railfanning.org News Wire
