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For Immediate Release
November 4, 2008
VIA's Landmark Monthly Ridership Number
Today, VIA can proudly look back over its September and October ridership numbers and celebrate topping 4 million riders in each of the last two months. Until recently the September numbers were merely preliminary but they are now confirmed. Notably the numbers jumped from September to October by more than 60,000 riders, from 4,118,145 to 4,178,963.
This all comes at a time when VIA is preparing for a transition in leadership. After over 35 years of service, most recently as the CEO of VIA, John Milam is planning to retire. A major event in his honor and to celebrate local progress in mass transportation is to be held at a noon luncheon at the Grand Hyatt on Monday, November 17, 2008.
VIA's progress has been made despite the fact that it historically was underfunded from its inception. Most all of the larger urban county MTA's began with a full penny sales tax. By contrast, VIA began with only a half a cent. To put this in proper context, 72% of VIA's revenue comes from its sales tax, now set at five eighths of a cent since the Advanced Transporation District added an eighth of a cent to its previous half cent. Only 15% comes from the farebox.
In all VIA is due for much bigger and better things but has had to fight harder than its sister MTA's due to the long-term underfunding. September's and October's ridership numbers foretell much success awaiting this fiscally sound operation!
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