Number of CTA riders increases

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority saw a ridership increase during its 2014-15 fiscal year compared to a year earlier.
Steve Yorks, executive director of the Three Rivers-based agency, said 97,506 rides were given during the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30. That figure tops the 95,942 rides given the previous fiscal year.
Yorks said the CTA has maintained a strong public-relations effort and it is clear St. Joseph County residents are familiar with and better understand the role of the CTA as a result.
He said the Circle Line in Three Rivers and two Circle Lines in Sturgis continue to draw a strong number of passengers. In addition, the agency’s Wednesday transportation to and from the VA Hospital in Battle Creek also continues to draw a steady number of riders, Yorks said.
The CTA started its 2015-16 fiscal year Oct. 1 and operates on a $1.9 million annual budget.