Sick economy helps Valparaiso bus line grow

Ryan Landers, general manager, said ridership has continued to see big gains since October and is at about 200 new riders every month.

"We're still seeing that increase," he said.

People seem to be attracted to the bus system, which serves the city with four local bus routes, because of the low cost, Landers said. A one-way ticket is $1, although the system offers various discounts.

The city's other bus service, the ChicaGo Dash, isn't seeing similar gains, although Tyler Kent, the city's transit director, said ridership has held steady at about 40 to 42 riders a day. The good news, however, is that it's not losing riders. The South Shore rail line has reported declining numbers in riders because more people were losing their Chicago jobs.

The city does intend on trying to bring in more riders, though, Kent said, through an advertising campaign that would reach out to Valparaiso residents and beyond, such as people in Kouts. The city has been advertising the ChicaGo Dash through local newspapers and through water bills, but officials want to try and reach more people, he said.

He touted the financial advantages of the bus, which costs $15 for a round-trip ticket, as a reason for why people would be interested, especially given the economy's condition.

"Anytime you're not putting your own vehicle on the road, having to drive up there paying tolls and paying for parking -- I think it's a good deal for anyone," he said.

And although ridership hasn't grown in the past month, Kent said, the city does want to restart the Saturday bus service this spring.

The city offered a bus ride during the winter holiday season for about a month but stopped it in January. The goal was to bring it back in a few months when warmer weather was back.

Kent said the office still receives numerous calls asking about the Saturday bus service and added that it helps the city pay for the costs of the system.