How-To-Ride At City Market, April 20
(Kansas City, Mo. – April 17, 2013) Whether people want to save the planet or save some cash, The Metro can help people accomplish both. In honor of Earth Day, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is will help people find out just how easy and economical it is to ride The Metro. The How-to-Ride Clinic will be held at the 3rd & Grand Park-and-Ride at City Market on Saturday, April 20, from 8 to 11 a.m.
People can learn the simple basics of riding public transit: how to find their route, read a schedule, pay the right fare, and where to get off. In a few minutes, they will be ready to start saving and ride The Metro like a pro.
"Switching from driving to riding public transportation for even a few of their trips is a proven way for individuals to cut monthly and yearly transportation costs," Director of Marketing Cindy Baker said.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, riding public transportation saves individuals, on average, $9,947 annually and $829 per month based on the March 26, 2013, average national gas price ($3.65 per gallon-reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.
Ridership on The Metro exceeded 16.1 million trips in 2012, the second highest annual ridership in nearly two decades. Ridership last year was up 3.6% over 2011. The Metro has made several service improvements in the last year that are resulting in more people riding The Metro:
· Main Street MAX offers more frequent weekday and weeknight service.
· Troost MAX offers more frequent weeknight service.
· 129-Boardwalk/KCI now offers service to the airport seven days a week, including night service.
· Metro service has recently been added in the Shoal Creek, New Mark and Gashland areas in the northland.
· 142-North Oak added service to Zona Rosa and now includes Sunday service.
· 31-31st Street provides more trips between Blue Ridge Crossing/Walmart, Midtown and Penn Valley Community College.
Can’t make it to a clinic? An online Starter Kit for new riders is available at www.kcata.org.