The San Jose Mercury News reports that Caltrain ridership is up nearly 12 percent, BART has seen an increase of almost eight percent. And, ridership for the Valley Transportation Authority bus and Light Rail Service in the South Bay has increased more than seven percent.
Experts say high gas prices are the largest reason for the transit increase, but they say higher bridge tolls and parking fees also are playing a role. Only AC Transit and the Santa Cruz Metro reported a decline in ridership, both blame recent cuts in service.
