Metro Vancouver transit ridership growth was the highest in North America last year, according to the latest figures from the American Public Transit Association.

In total, the region experienced a 5.7% increase in year over year growth in the number of boardings.

In a release, TransLink said the growth can be attributed to “a number of factors,” including economic growth in the region, high gas prices, and the addition of the Millennium Line Evergreen Extension.

“More people are taking transit in Metro Vancouver than ever before. This data shows that when we invest in public transit, ridership rises,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “I’m so glad we were able to add this new service at a time when demand is surging.”

TransLink, he added, is “ready to build upon the success we’re seeing with the rollout of Phase Two of the Vision and keep this momentum alive.”

TransLink also said that some of the increased ridership can be attributed to the addition of new routes and extended service hours.

“One-third of the new service hours targeted overcrowded bus routes,” the company said.

“It’s encouraging to see people in my city and around the region taking advantage of this new level of transit service available as the 10-Year Vision continues to roll out,” said Derek Corrigan, Mayor of Burnaby, and chair of the Mayor’s council. “Our region is hungry for more transit connections and capacity.”

Metro Vancouver is one of just four urban areas with populations over one-million which saw ridership growth last year. The other cities included:

Phoenix, AZ: 3.5% Seattle, WA: 2.3% Montreal, QC: 2.3%

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