2012 Budget Book.indd - Metra

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Ridership
Metra’s customer base is comprised primarily of city and suburban residents who use our system to
travel to work in downtown Chicago. Overall ridership has declined from record levels in 2008 due to the
global economic downturn. However, employment levels stabilized in 2011. This coupled with soaring
gas prices and increased parking rates in Chicago’s Central Business District (CBD) allowed Metra 2011
ridership to remain stable compared to 2010 levels. Given the current economic environment, Metra is
projecting ridership of 81.7 million in 2011.
Ongoing uncertainties about the economy and the impact on the region’s employment will continue
to pose the biggest challenge to increasing ridership. External in uences such as the economy and fuel
prices will continue to impact Metra’s e orts to attract new riders and maintain existing ridership levels.
However, secondary markets, such as reverse commute and recreational travel, are Metra’s fastest-growing
markets and present the greatest opportunity for growth. Metra is committed to growing ridership
across all market segments. Metra’s strategy is to position our service as the preferred mode of travel for
select trips in terms of reliability, e ciency and convenience. To deliver on the strategy, Metra needs to
adequately maintain its infrastructure to ensure reliable service. Ongoing capital projects and funding
through the State of Illinois Bond program will help Metra achieve this goal.
Annual Passenger Trips (millions)
Annual Passenger Trips in Millions
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Table 3
*
*2011 is Projected year-end ridership