Bridge Collapse Brings Boost To Transit Ridership

"A week after losing the much-used bridge, lots of metro-area commuters have to change the way they travel between home and work. Many are testing new routes. Others are stepping onto city buses for the first time."

"It could be worse, some said, because lots of cars and buses had already rerouted around the bridge, which had been clogged by repair work since April. And it will be worse, transit authorities said, when vacationers return, schools open and winter storms come."

"Free bus rides this week from 12 north metro Park-and-Ride lots helped build a 37 percent increase Tuesday over last Friday in the number of cars in those lots -- up to 3,079 -- according to Metro Transit."

"That means 830 fewer cars on the roads during Tuesday's rush hours, said spokesman Bob Gibbons."