MBTA Records August Ridership Increase, Despite Fare Hikes

Weekday ridership on the MBTA increased in August despite major fare hikes.

MBTA officials on Monday released data showing ridership grew 1.2 percent in August, compared to August 2011.

Over-the-year increases in MBTA ridership, which have also come as gas prices have soared in recent months, have now been recorded in 18 of the past 19 months.

The T reported that subway ridership was up 2.7 percent in August, Green Line and trolley ridership grew 1.5 percent, bus ridership was up 0.6 percent, and commuter rail ridership increased 1.4 percent.

Transportation Secretary Richard Davey called the demand for public transit “robust” and responded to the numbers by saying in a statement that they are “a clear sign that we need to maintain a strong transportation system in the Commonwealth.”

Fare hikes that took effect in July averaged 23 percent.