CANADIAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT USAGE CLIMBS
Posted on 26 June 2009
The use of public transport in Canada set a sixth consecutive record in 2008 with a 3.5% increase to 1.82 billion trips, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (Cuta) announced on 16 June. The national gain, representing the total annual passenger loads of cities such as Edmonton, Alberta, and Quebec City, stands at 16% since 2003, Cuta said.
According to Cuta president Michael Roschlau, there was a “curious phenomenon in 2008” in that usage grew by 2.6% in the first half of the year, but then increased 4.5% in the second half, compared with 2007 figures. He pointed out that the surge coincided with the economic downturn and the decrease in petrol prices, both of which historically trend usage of public transport down.
Despite the increase in riders, the association said more than $40 billion will be needed to maintain and expand service from now until 2012.
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