City officials released September numbers of youth ridership on the Rapid Transit System.
From September 1-October 6, there has been an 8.58 percent increase in overall Rapid Transit System passenger trips compared to the same time frame in 2015. Overall passenger trips have increased in that time frame from 37,342 in 2015 (Sept 1-Oct 6) to 40,548 in 2016 (Sept 1-Oct 6).
Total youth passenger trips during the September 1-October 6 (2016) time frame is 10,024 with an average youth pasenger trips per day at 401.
Youth ridership by route is also impressive, showing 27 percent of the students are riding the Roosevelt Route followed by the Washington Route (19 percent), Jefferson Route (16 percent), Coolidge Route (14 percent), Lincoln Route (13 percent) and Borglum Route (11 percent).
Mayor Steve Allender, Rapid Transit Director Rich Sagen and Superintendent of Rapid City Schools Dr. Lori Simon shared the numbers and perspectives with local media. The officials are pleased with the early numbers and indicate they look forward to analyzing ridership data from the next few months to determine potential trends and any adjustments that may need to be considered. Further evaluation will take place during the Christmas holiday break.