ridership

noun

rid·​er·​ship ˈrī-dər-ˌship How to pronounce ridership (audio)
: the number of persons who ride a system of public transportation

Examples of ridership in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Metrolink could face significant cuts as operating costs rise and ridership stays below pre-pandemic levels. — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 The city is lagging compared with major cities in terms of ridership on its public transit system, when comparing pre- and post-pandemic periods. — Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 The rail network has an operating budget of more than $350 million and includes an average daily weekday ridership of more than 23,000 and an average weekend ridership of roughly 235,000. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Since the return-to-office mandate began July 1 for many state departments, capital region transportation agencies have noted markedly higher ridership on their commuter routes. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ridership

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ridership was in 1968

Rhymes for ridership

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Browse Nearby Words

rider plate
ridership
rideshare
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridership.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridership. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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