CLEVELAND -- Donna and Doug Atkins say it's been more than ten years since they rode the rapid.

But Tuesday, the couple decided to park at the Puritas Red Line Rapid station and head downtown to the Horseshoe Casino.

"I figure it's easier to park here and ride down," Doug said.

Lots of commuters and downtown visitors are reaching the same conclusion.

Red Line ridership is up almost 11 percent.

"We're seeing the demand increase. More people want to use public transit and get off the road, " said RTA spokeswoman Mary Schaffer.

The whole system has seen 16 months of double-digit increases. Overall ridership is up 5.7 percent ijn 2012.

Rising gasoline prices, Innerbelt bridge construction, downtown detours and the rising price of parking are other variables involved in getting more people out of their cars.

The system is reviewing its budget and looking at possible service improvements.

That could include expansion of the downtown trolley service to include Friday nights and weekends if sponsors can be lined up.

WKYC-TV