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Treasure Valley bus system becoming more popular
Mike Johnson, Journalist
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Story
GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER There are plenty of bus stops right around campus and make it a popular option for students.
The Treasure Valley’s “ValleyRide” saw a record amount of usage in fiscal year 2009, with 1.4 million riders. This increase happened despite a national decrease in the use of public transportation due to lower gas prices and increased unemployment, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
“For (ValleyRide) to be seeing a ridership increase in these economic times is definitely bucking the national trend,” Mantill Williams, spokesperson for the APTA, said.
The Boise area saw a 14.7 percent increase this past year in ridership, the busiest route being route No. 9, which runs on State Street from downtown Boise to Glenwood/Gary Lane. The route served over 200,000 people in the last year.
“People are realizing that the bus routes can work for them,” Larry Pew, operations supervisor for ValleyRide, said. “They’re realizing that if they can ride transit even 2-3 times a week, it’ll help them save a lot of money and help the environment, not to mention the reduced stress levels of leaving their car at home.”
The Nampa/Caldwell area saw a larger increase, at 22.3 percent.
“With the new bus stop system, people realize they can ride the bus from their neighborhood, and it’s a much cheaper form of transportation,” General manager for the Nampa, Caldwell and Intercounty service area for Valley Regional Transit, Hollie Young said.
Young also attributes the rise in ridership to an increase in the student population.
“A lot of them (riders) are out of work, so they’re going back to school,” Young said.
ValleyRide allows students from Boise State, the College of Western Idaho, and Boise School District high schools to ride the bus free of charge, with a valid school ID.
BSU senior Brett Berning uses ValleyRide frequently.
“I commute either by bike or bus practically every day,” Berning said.
He claims ValleyRide would be much more convenient if buses ran later than 6:45 p.m.
“I have to plan out my days more time efficiently because I prefer to study at the library and often stay late so riding the bus is out of the question,” Berning said.
Bus fare for a single-use is $1. Passes can also be purchased for a full day’s use, 31 days, three months, six months or one year.
Do you use public transportation?
- Never (53%, 10 Votes)
- Yes (37%, 7 Votes)
- Sometimes (10%, 2 Votes)
Total Voters: 19
Isn't 1.4 milion people… About the same as the population of the state?!
I think this counts total passengers, not accounting for repeat riders. We could ask Mike to check for you, if you'd like.