The Butler Transit Authority is working on a record breaking year for ridership.

As of February 2012, ridership has increased 14 percent over the same time period last year.

The authority offers reliable, economical transportation in the Butler community. With the increasing cost of gas, car maintenance and other economical pressures, the authority hopes to soon offer Butler commuters more options with coach bus service from Butler to Pittsburgh.

The first phase of this goal is to improve and expand the park and ride at Route 528 and Interstate 79 as the buses will travel Route 68 to the Route 528 park and ride then continue on to Pittsburgh.

The Butler Transit Authority recently acquired five acres of property adjacent to the current park and ride at Route 528. The five acres will yield 200 more parking spaces for residents looking to commute to Pittsburgh.

In addition to the much needed increase in parking spaces, the authority will build a shelter at the site for waiting passengers.

Part of the expansion project was made possible with a special grant through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The authority also thanks the Butler County Commissioners and the state Department of Transportation for their support

To stay up-to-date with this project and other Butler Transit Authority news, visit us on the Web at www.butlertransit.com.