START Bus Reports Record-Setting Winter Season
Jackson, Wyo. April 17, 2019 – Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) is pleased to report a record setting 2018/2019 winter season. START’s 628,557 passengers this winter marks the highest ridership in the organization’s history, surpassing the previous record of 611,285 riders set last winter.
Total Winter START Service:
2017/2018: 611,285 passengers
2018/2019: 628,557 passengers
Increase: 17,272 (3%)
Teton Village Winter START Service:
2017/2018: 412,385 passengers
2018/2019: 433,469 passengers
Increase: 21,084 (5%)
The 2018/2019 season finished with a total of 433,469 riders utilizing the Teton Village bus compared to 412,385 riders last winter. Of these rides to Teton Village, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) employees accounted for 176,031 (41%) of the rides; Teton Village Association (TVA) employees tallied 104,790 (24%) rides; cash customers were responsible for 81,881 (19%) of the rides; ski pass holders recorded 67,040 (15%) rides; and 3,727 (1%) were employer discounted riders.
These numbers represent a 5% increase in riders to and from Teton Village compared to last winter. There were 98 daily runs from Jackson to Teton Village with an average of 3,142 riders utilizing the Teton Village buses each day this season.
“We have never carried more passengers for a winter season than we did this season,” Darren Brugmann, START Director said. “We are proud of the partnership we have with the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Teton Village Association as we work together to reduce traffic congestion to and from the resort. As we continue to gain ridership, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance service.”
Looking ahead to next winter, START plans on adding up to 8 electric buses into the fleet. START is also currently investigating the feasibility of micro transit opportunities and is in the process of conducting a route analysis. The purpose of both of these initiatives is to continue to find ways to improve service that will best serve the riding public and residents.
START Bus encourages you to consider supporting the reduction of traffic throughout the year - ride the bus, walk, or rideshare. Please check www.startbus.com for details on all routes, schedules and fees or contact START Bus directly at (307) 733-4521.
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The START system began operations in 1987 and is funded with a mix of revenues from the Town of Jackson, Teton County, and the federal government. For up-to-date route and schedule information, download the RouteShout mobile app from the iTunes store or the Android Market.