Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 4, 2008
MetroAccess ridership expected to grow substantially during next five years
Service improvements, economic conditions cause for increased demand
Metro officials are expecting major growth in MetroAccess ridership during the next five years due to substantial investments in the service for people whose disabilities prevent them from using Metrobus or Metrorail.
According to a study of MetroAccess ridership trends, demand for the service could grow anywhere from 50 to 100 percent by 2013. Ridership is already up 20 percent on average in the first quarter of FY 2009. Last year, ridership was 16 percent higher than the previous year.
"MetroAccess has become more attractive to riders as a result of substantial investments in the service," said Christian T. Kent, Metro's Assistant General Manager of Access Services. In the past two years, Metro has increased oversight of the MV Transportation contract and staffing, improved on-time performance, implemented door-to-door service, expanded the fleet of MetroAccess vehicles and made use of technology enhancements such as GPS tracking devices.
Economic conditions are also a factor driving up ridership, with an increase in the senior and disabled population and more people choosing public transportation as a more cost-effective alternative to driving.
To help manage the rapid increase in demand, Metro is working with its community partners to promote travel training and Metro's free ride and reduced fare programs to encourage people with disabilities and senior citizens to try Metrobus or Metrorail.
"In the coming year, we plan to strengthen the eligibility certification process to place more emphasis on fixed-route transportation options and less on assessments for people whose eligibility status is unlikely to change," Kent said. Metro also will be working with its jurisdictional partners to identify bus stops throughout the region that are inaccessible and preventing people with disabilities from reaching fixed-route bus or rail services.
News release issued at 12:07 pm, December 4, 2008.