MBTA ridership increases again in November

By Melissa M. Werthmann, Globe Correspondent

The Big Story: Despite the fare hike this past July, MBTA ridership rose again in November.

MBTA ridership has increased for the 20th time in the last 22 months, Beverly Scott, the agency’s general manager, said.

November daily ridership increased by 1.3 percent compared with November of last year, and averaged 1.329 million passenger trips per weekday, Scott said in a statement.

“November continued the MBTA’s trend of modest ridership growth despite the fare increase implemented in July,” she said. “Prior to the fare increase, analysts had projected a decrease of up to 5.5 percent in system-wide ridership.”

Red, Orange, and Blue Line weekday ridership climbed by 5.6 percent last month and average weekday ridership on the commuter rail increased by 2.4 percent, Scott said said.

Average weekday ridership on buses and the Green Line decreased, by 1.6 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively, Scott said.

“The numbers continue to look very good, and we’re confident that we can maintain this trend through the winter,” Scott said. “No matter what Mother Nature has in store for us this season, we’re committed to delivering dependable and convenient services on which commuters can rely.”

MBTA ridership figures for all of 2012 will be available next month, she said.

Melissa Werthmann can be reached at melissa.werthmann@globe.com.