Business View Magazine - Dec 2023

that StanRTA’s service has certainly served the public well, and the results have been incredibly positive for the public. “Ridership for us has just exploded the last few months. We are seeing more people on the bus routes than we have in the past, even before COVID-19,” Barth says, explaining that the increase in riders is likely due to the 2021 merger of transit services within Stanislaus County. “I think the consolidation made it a whole lot easier for folks to travel around the county, as people didn’t have to buy different passes or try to figure out different websites or routes. It all came under one roof, so the consolidation really helped prompt transit as a primary mode of transportation.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Ecolane www.ecolane.com This makes sense, as convenience is usually one of the most important factors for the growth of any service. Since StanRTA plans to expand, there is no doubt that the effects on ridership will continue to be positive and impactful. 326 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12