Port Authority provided nearly 70 million rides in 2005, its highest figure in three years and a 2.2 percent increase over 2004 ridership.

Bus, light rail, Monongahela Incline and ACCESS customers took 69,339,670 rides in 2005, and average weekday light rail ridership reached 25,187 --- its highest level in eight years. Average weekday bus ridership reached 203,713, its highest level in three years.

"Our strong ridership numbers reflect the fact we have maintained a high level of service, preserved our fare structure for more than three years and retained a number of customers in the wake of high gas prices," Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Dennis Veraldi said in a news release.

"While the efficiency of our three busways continues to attract riders, 2005 marked our first full year with T service on the time-saving Overbrook Line and expanded park and ride

opportunities. Both played a critical role in achieving these significant ridership increases."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.