Metrobus has contracted a research group to determine whether a huge increase in ridership in 2023 is an anomaly or if current levels and trends are likely to be sustained in the coming years.

Metrobus recorded more than 4.7 million rides last year, a 35 per cent increase over the previous year and a 45 per cent increase over 2019.

General Manager Judy Powell says while the increase is good news, it’s also very challenging. She says an increase of five to 10 per cent is manageable from an operational perspective, but a 45 per cent increase means they don’t have the capacity to address areas of increased demand.

Powell says it takes time to expand the fleet and hire more employees.

Metrobus has contracted MQO Research to determine whether current levels and trends are likely to continue. The findings will provide Metrobus with the information needed to update their long-term growth plan.

The results are expected in the coming weeks.

Increased ridership in 2023 meant a substantial increase in revenue, which was used to pay off all Metrobus’ long-term debt, and resulted in a drop in the subsidy provided by the capital city.