Record set for most rides

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority set a record the most rides in its 10-year history during the agency’s 2011-12 fiscal year.

Executive Director Steve Yorks said nearly 95,000 rides were given during the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30. The latest figure represented a 7 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, when a then-record of more than 88,500 rides were recorded.

Yorks said the economy and high gas prices are typically responsible for causing an increase in ridership. He noted that ridership on the two Circle Line routes in Sturgis and single Circle Line in Three Rivers are popular options and continue to help boost numbers.

Yorks is expected to go over the numbers during the agency’s monthly meeting at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District.