PORT ANGELES — Clallam Transit System ridership counts are approaching levels not seen since ridership peaked in 1996, the system’s general manager reports.
Dan DiGuilio told the Clallam Transit board on Monday that an overall 6 percent ridership increase this year over last can largely be attributed to expanded services launched in late March. Ridership through May totaled 327,187 this year compared to 309,534 the same period last year.
DiGuilio also said the system is able to meet the higher demands while remaining within its budget.
“Even with the increase in fuel costs we are living within our budget,” DiGuilio said. “I think it’s good management by all the departments . . . and looking out for costs.”
This year to date, DiGuilio said, the cost of diesel to power its 35 buses has increased $23,000 over budget projections.