Fredericton Transit ridership jumps

Fredericton Transit is crediting the extended closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge to an increase in riders in 2011.

The lengthy closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge last summer and fall saw more people using the bus to get from one side of the river to the other.

Sandy MacNeil, the manager of Fredericton Transit, said the increase in users means more money came in the fare boxes.

But more importantly, MacNeil said, once the bridge re-opened, it appears some had become used to busing it.

"We expected that once the bridge opened, that ridership would really plunge. And we didn't notice that. We still see strong numbers in the peak times," MacNeil said.

The Princess Margaret Bridge was scheduled to re-open on Sept. 5, but the $77.4-million construction project was plagued by setbacks, including wet weather and unrealistic timelines.

The bridge finally reopened on Nov. 10.

MacNeil said the transit department also saved money after moving into the new transit building early last year.

He estimates that fuel costs in 2011 were down by five to 10 per cent.

"In the colder months, we didn't have to idle the buses to warm them up. We didn't have to leave them running, keep them going while they were waiting for service and things like that," MacNeil said.

"We changed the way we did our business and it had a real significant saving."

Fredericton Transit will also seen additional revenue coming in 2012, after the decision to increase fees on Jan. 1.

The bus fare is now $2.25 up from $2 in 2011.