The city is celebrating the record-breaking use of Whitehorse Transit as it continues making improvements to its bus system.

April saw the highest ridership figures in the system’s history, with 86,374 bus rides taken throughout the month.

That’s more than 8,000 above the previous record set in May 2023, when 78,332 rides were taken.

2024 could be on track to be one of Whitehorse Transit’s biggest years for ridership, the city said Thursday, with both February and March coming in among the top five months for historical ridership.

While March had the third-highest number of rides in Whitehorse Transit history at 75,701, February came in fifth with 75,554.

October 2019 saw the fourth-highest number of rides at 75,597.

If the current demand continues, it’s anticipated the city could surpass 900,000 rides by the end of 2024.

A total 816,000 rides were taken in 2023.

Work in recent years has resulted in system-wide improvements, the city noted, and that work is set to continue this summer.

On July 1, the second phase of a modernization plan will begin with more efficient routes planned for Copper Ridge and Riverdale.

Maps are in development, with plans to include additional peak service to Riverdale and downtown, service to Valleyview, an earlier start to the Riverdale Loop and late-night drop-off service added to the weekend and holiday schedule.

These improvements follow enhancements in 2023 to north-end routes, including the addition of a new Whistle Bend route.

The changes to the system are a result of extensive public input.

The city pointed out it has planned, consulted and made adjustments to services based on what transit users and residents had to say.

“The record numbers suggest that input is having a positive impact on ridership,” the city said.

“The city continues to listen to the public about how to improve transit services.”

The recently completed Free Fare Transit Study saw feedback about free transit from First Nations governments, community groups, non-profit organizations and more than 900 residents.

“The study found that transit users would be best served by frequent and reliable service, and that without those elements in place, free fares would have little benefit to transit users,” the city said.

“Service improvements were determined to offer the highest potential for increased ridership.”

“The ridership numbers show that the city’s continued investment in transit is paying off,” said Mayor Laura Cabott.

“I am pleased so many residents are choosing to take the bus, and I encourage more to get on.

“It’s a convenient option that re-duces emissions, keeps vehicles off the road and helps our residents move around the city.

“I look forward to seeing the impact of further improvements to the system.”