Triangle Transit says it cut costs as it carried more than 1 million riders for the fiscal year that ended June 30, breaking that mark for the first time.
The rider count of 1.14 million was 19.4 percent higher than the previous year's, increasing even as gas prices declined during most of the year. While operating hours increased by 8 percent, operating costs fell 5 percent.
The use of discounted passes for government employees, students and other frequent riders now accounts for more than 60 percent of boardings, but the portion of costs covered by farebox revenues increased from 11 percent to 13 percent.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
