Youth Transit Numbers Continue Upward Trend In November
RapidRide had increased youth transit numbers in November.
(City File Photo/Darrell Shoemaker)
Youth trips increase 22% over November 2017; 79% above November 2016
RAPID CITY, SD--November youth ridership of the City's RapidRide program increased steadily compared to the same month the previous two years.
Ridership among youth in November totaled 14,199 passenger trips, a 22 percent increase over the November 2017 ridership number (11,644 youth passenger trips) and a 79 percent increase over the 7,938 trips taken by youth recorded in November 2016, which was the third full month of the 'Youth Ride Free' program.
School was in session the same number of days last month as in November 2017.
"November was another solid month with a marked increase over the same time last year and the numbers this school year are very high compared to the first-year numbers," said Megan Gould, Rapid Transit System Division Manager. "We now move into our cold months so we'll see how weather impacts youth ridership."
The 'Youth Ride Free' program was initiated by Mayor Steve Allender in the summer of 2016. The free transit youth program promotes the importance and merits of public transportation to young people, provides parents and their children with a convenient transportation option to school and school/community events and activities, and serves as an important tool in promoting better school attendance.
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Thank you,
Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator
T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551
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