Missoula's Moutain Line bus service has once again set a ridership record.

Between July 2008 and June 2009, the numbers show that Mountain Line carried a record 828,887 riders on its regular fixed route buses, which is a 4% increase over fixed route ridership the previous year according to a press release. 

Mountain Line also provided 20,164 rides on its Paratransit and Senior Van services, compared to 16,000 paratransit rides the previous year.  

Overall, total ridership in Fiscal Year 2009 was 849,051, compared to 811,216 in the previous Fiscal Year.

"Once again Missoulians have shown that transit works in Missoula.  These numbers follow a positive trend for transit in Missoula that is reflected nationwide."  said Steve Earle, Mountain Line General Manager.  Mountain Line has seen an amazing 60% increase in ridership in 15 years.

Mountain Line offers regular scheduled service six days a week and also provides many free busses over the summer.

- Mark Thorsell reporting from KPAX in Missoula