Metro Ridership Down

New figures show there are fewer people riding Metro trains these days, and it's not exactly clear why.

Metro spokesperson Steven Taubenkibel admits some riders might be skittish over June's deadly accident on the Red line.

A recent study commissioned by the transit agency says ridership on the red line this summer was down more than 10 percent compared to last year. The study suggests that could be due to the economy, unemployment, or ongoing maintenance delays.

Red line rider Diane Butts would rather take the green line to work, and was considering a switch back to her car. "Delay after delay you sit on the tracks, you wait, there's a train in front, they're nice with explanations but it doesn't change the fact that you get to work late," says Butts.

Metro officials say that if the trend continues, they will face a $22.4 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins July.

Elliott Francis reports...