Link Transit ridership on record-setting pace

WENATCHEE — Link Transit has surpassed one million passenger boardings for the second straight year, reaching the milestone two months earlier than in 2023.

The public transportation system recorded 1,031,139 fixed route boardings through October, already exceeding 2023's year-end total of 1,011,391. Officials project ridership will approach 1.2 million by year's end. The last time Link Transit topped one million riders before 2023 was in 2015.

October's weekday ridership averaged 4,360 passengers, marking a 17% increase from October 2023. Weekend numbers also showed significant growth, with Saturday boardings averaging 2,508, up 18%, and Sunday ridership reaching 1,690, a 20% increase from the previous year. The overall year-over-year comparison shows October 2024 ridership jumped 20.7% from October 2023.

The transit system has experienced substantial growth since 2022, with weekday ridership climbing 40% and Saturday service up 36%. Sunday service, introduced in 2020, has seen the most dramatic increase at 60%, evolving from initial averages of 600 daily boardings during its first six months.

"Over the past several years, Link has added a significant amount of service throughout the region. This additional service provides more options for our guests, and it is paying off in increased ridership," said Nick Covey, Link's CEO. "Along with the increase in service, the alignment of many routes has improved so it is easier and more convenient for people to use transit now. People are recognizing the quality of our service, and the ease with which they can make the switch to riding transit."

The system now operates 413 hours of service each weekday, connecting communities throughout the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee area and extending to Chelan/Manson, Waterville, and communities along the Wenatchee River to Leavenworth. Weekend operations run at reduced levels, with 206 hours on Saturdays and 162 hours on Sundays. Overall service hours have increased approximately 18% since 2023.

The transit system serves multiple communities in north-central Washington state, providing essential transportation links between residential areas and regional destinations. Detailed ridership data and performance metrics are available on the transit system's website.