To no surprise, Watauga County’s public transportation authority, AppalCart, reported a record year for ridership in 2008.

According to AppalCart’s Transportation Director Christopher Turner, the transportation system recorded a 14 percent increase in calendar year ridership.  This set a new record of 1,112,948 passenger trips in 662,569 miles of service during 2008.

Turner attributed the increase to a combination of newer buses, higher gas prices, and the contribution of the fare free program on the AppalCart’s bus routes.

Although AppalCart is best known for its bus service, it also provides door-to-door van service throughout Watauga County.  Both bus and van routes are listed on AppalCart’s printed schedules and at www.appalcart.com.