The Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) has announced ridership on its fixed routes increased by 54 percent from October 2018 to October 2019, continuing a growth trend that started around the same time last year.
SYVT year-to-date ridership on fixed routes is up by 34.7 percent over the past year.
While car ownership has increased over the last decade, California, along with the rest of the country, has also experienced a jump in gas prices which peaked at over $4 per gallon in 2019, according to SYVT. With knowledge of these trends and the needs of a growing community, SYVT began promoting its transit options to residents for destination purposes.
SYVT’s destination messaging introduces the option of using the bus for specific trips where a car is not needed, such as trips to the library, school or medical appointments. SYVT’s promotions have also successfully convinced new “choice riders” (residents who rarely or never ride transit) to utilize the bus as “a second car.”
“The Santa Ynez Valley is experiencing a population spike, making it more important than ever to have a strategy in place to address the transportation needs of this growing community,” said Matt van der Linden, public works director and city engineer for the city of Solvang. “As we work to provide more accessible options and more education about those options, then we can realize the vast benefits of public transportation – less traffic on our roads, less pollution in our air and a more connected community.”
In the summer of 2018, SYVT enhanced its fixed-route bus service to provide more access to residents and guests traveling to and around the Santa Ynez Valley. In addition to enhanced service times focused on the travel needs of the community, SYVT has increased efforts to attend community events to help spread the word about the increasingly popular bus service.
SYVT held informational booths with SYVT giveaways at the recent Annual Buellton BBQ Bonanza, Solvang Danish Days and Los Olivos Day in the Country.
“Booth visitors always have great stories to share about how they use SYVT when their car is in the shop or to enjoy a Saturday of wine tasting,” van der Linden said. “Residents tell us they are proud to use and support public transportation.”
