January was a productive month for MAX, with monthly ridership reaching a new record of 289 average trips per day in January on the commuter bus service. This reflects a 18 percent increase over September 2013, the first full month of service. The overall average trips per day in September was 245 trips.

Why are the ridership numbers increasing?

City officials believe the ridership increase is the result of an effective marketing campaign and a change in the public's attitude toward public transportation. The new Collins Street stop has added riders as well.

According to recent single day, on-board study, approximately 47 percent of MAX commuters ride five times per week. The survey also shows that 33 percent of riders use MAX to travel to work, while 28 percent ride the express bus service to school.

MAX, which connects downtown Arlington to the Trinity Railway Express CentrePort/DFW Station, continues to serve a wide range of commuters - from students at UT Arlington to people heading to special events around North Texas.

Buses currently operate from about 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For a bus schedule, maps and other important information, visit RideTheMax.com.

All MAX updates are available via Facebook at RideTheMax and on Twitter at @ArlingtonMAX. Subscribe to email update at [email protected].