When Whitney Jeter left her car in West Palm Beach last year, she didn’t know she’d help Gainesville break a record.
The 19-year-old Santa Fe College health science sophomore is among millions of people who have ridden Regional Transit System buses in the past year. On Monday, the city announced it had broken its previous annual record of about 10 million by about 700,000 riders.
Chip Skinner, RTS spokesman, said more people are riding the bus now because of the economy. He said it’s simply more expensive to own a car.
He also attributed the success to a new program at Santa Fe College that allows students to ride for free.
Jeter said she loves that the rides are free now.
“Even if I did have a car, I’d still take the bus,” She said. “It’s more convenient, because parking is such a hassle.”
Skinner said public transit nationwide has become people’s main choice for transportation.
He mentioned a study done by the American Public Transportation Association, which found on average person spends about $9,200 on gas, insurance and maintenance every year.
He said an RTS full-fair monthly pass costs $35, which comes out to $420 for a year.
“You can get a lot more bang for your buck using public transportation,” he said.
Contact Alex Catalano at acatalano@alligator.org.
Whitney Jeter, a 19-year-old health sciences sophomore, waits to take the No. 23 bus home after her Marriage and Family class at Sante Fe College on Tuesday afternoon.
