York Region Transit continued its pace of recovery as its ridership increased by 36 per cent to 21.1 million trips in 2023.
The transit service usage burgeoned from 15.5 million trips in 2022 as a result of increased travel on base and Viva routes each week, as well as more on-request service, a news release said.
Transit usage declined during the pandemic but has steadily increased since COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted. Ridership was at 22.3 million pre-pandemic in 2019.
YRT’s annual system performance report noted that on-request and mobility on-request services saw significant increases of 40 to 47 per cent, respectively. It also maintained high on-time performance targets of 93 per cent for conventional service and 97 per cent for Viva.
“Balancing increasing ridership, reliability and innovative initiatives show investments in the system are working,” chair of public works transportation services and Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said. “YRT continues to enhance customer service, advocate for affordability, lower emissions and ensure assets are in good repair for generations to come.”
The transit service garnered $72 million in revenue in 2023, up from $53 million in 2022.
It also implemented 123 service improvements, two new electric buses, launching PRESTO contactless payment and more. This year, it also was part of a new one-fare system with neighbouring transit services.
The transit service is planning for a three per cent annual transit fare increase in July of this year.
It is also working through the electrification of its fleet, receiving a $76 million grant and a loan of up to $137 million from the Government of Canada to support the purchase of 180 electric buses and associated infrastructure.
