Despite fare hike, MBTA reports more riders

BOSTON (AP) -- MBTA ridership increased in September despite steep fare hikes.

Figures released by the transit system on Wednesday show the average number of weekday rides system-wide increased by 1.5 percent last month compared to September 2011.

The T says bus ridership was up 2.3 percent and subway ridership increased 3 percent. Commuter rail ridership dropped slightly and there were fewer trips on The Ride -- a service for disabled passengers -- compared to a year ago.

The fare hikes went into effect on July 1. Ridership also increased in July and August, but September was seen as the first big test of how passengers would respond to the higher fares with schools returning and vacation season ending.

Transportation officials had forecast a 5.5 percent drop in ridership after fare hikes.