Shreveport, LA – SporTran Transit has announced its 2024 ridership numbers, reflecting a year of remarkable growth attributed to its “Zero Fare” program implemented in 2022. The program, which eliminated fares for riders, has significantly increased access to public transit, resulting in a historic 423% surge in ridership since its inception.
2024 Ridership Highlights
SporTran OnDemand Services
The OnDemand service, encompassing microtransit ride-share options and ADA/Paratransit medical transport, delivered impressive results:
- Completed Trips: 91,292
- Average Daily Trips: 253
- On-Time Performance: 92% for pick-ups, 86% for drop-offs
- Average Shared Rides: 58%
- Average Ride Duration: 24 minutes
- Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Fixed-Route Bus Ridership
- 2023 Ridership: 3.2 million trips
- 2024 Ridership: 4.2 million trips
- Increase Since Zero Fare Program Launch in 2022: 423%
CEO Statement
“We’re thrilled with our 2024 SporTran and SporTran OnDemand ridership and performance numbers,” said CEO Dinero’ Washington. “With 1 million additional trips in just 12 months, the 2024 numbers highlight the vital role public transit plays in the daily lives of our riders. Plus, increased ridership translates into higher federal funding for transit systems, allowing us to further enhance our services.”
Federal Funding and Community Impact
SporTran’s growth underscores the importance of accessible public transit, not only as a means of transportation but also as a driver of economic and social benefits. The increase in ridership strengthens the agency’s case for federal funding, ensuring continued improvements to its services.
SporTran’s success demonstrates the potential of fare-free transit to remove barriers, connect communities, and create sustainable growth. The agency is poised to build on this momentum as it continues to provide reliable and accessible transportation for the Shreveport-Bossier area.