Construction Hurts CARTA Numbers

As the multi-million overhaul of Johnnie Dodds Boulevard slogs into its second year, businesses, residents and even public transportation is feeling the burdens.

Ridership on CARTA's three lines East of the Cooper is down markedly year over year, according to the Post and Courier. The most noticable drop was on the 401 line, which moves commuters along Johnnie Dodds Boulevard.

1,748 people took the 401 East Cooper Connector in June of 2011 compared with 826 riders in June of this year... The bus has trouble running on time because of congestion caused by the road construction. The number of riders for June was down on the other two routes east of the Cooper, too, but not as much, the newspaper reports.

Overall, CARTA is enjoying year-over-year increases in bus use across the region. Last week, to construct more covered bus stops along Johnnie Dodds.