Rapid City Transit Ridership Climbs 57% Since 2021

Rapid Transit System logged more than 27,300 passenger trips in October, with youth ridership continuing to grow.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of a plain transit bus beside an empty bus shelter on a wide Rapid City street under an open sky. — Rapid City transit ridership rose 57 percent over five years, with the Rapid Transit System logging more than 27,300 passenger trips in October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Rapid City transit ridership increased 57 percent over five years, with the Rapid Transit System recording more than 27,300 passenger trips in October. The Youth Ride Free program also grew, recording more than 8,500 trips in October and a 12 percent increase over last year.

Why it matters

The sustained growth in ridership over five years suggests the transit system is drawing more regular use from residents across Rapid City. Rising youth ridership, which has more than doubled since 2021, points to the Youth Ride Free program's role in expanding access for young riders.

The Rapid Transit System recorded more than 27,300 passenger trips in October, up 57 percent from October 2021's just over 17,400 trips. Youth Ride Free program trips reached more than 8,500 in October, a 12 percent rise over last year, though the extraction does not explain the drivers behind the growth.

The players

Rapid Transit System

The public transit system serving the Rapid City area since 1992, operating the city's bus service and the Youth Ride Free program.

The details

Rapid Transit System has served the Rapid City area since 1992. October ridership was up 3 percent over October of last year, while youth ridership increased 12 percent compared to last year and has more than doubled since 2021.

October 2021: Baseline month with just over 17,400 transit trips logged.
October 2025: Comparison month for the 3 percent ridership increase.
October 2026: Month in which more than 27,300 trips and 8,500 youth trips were reported.

Air Travel
Oct. 29
Rapid City Regional Airport Opens New Ticket Area
Cultural
Oct. 28
Rapid City Real America Bash Draws $11M
Philanthropy
Oct. 31
Rapid City VFW to Host Holiday Donation Drive

Civic Engagement Trend

The 57 percent ridership gain since October 2021 is measured against that month's just over 17,400 trips, placing the recent 3 percent year-over-year rise within a longer multi-year climb. Youth ridership, which has more than doubled since 2021, marks the fastest-growing segment within that broader increase.

Rapid City residents who ride the bus or have school-age children may find the transit system's growing reach makes daily commuting more accessible. The Youth Ride Free program's 8,500 October trips show that young riders are already using the service to get around town without paying fares.

The takeaway

Steady ridership gains over five years show that transit use in Rapid City has grown well beyond its 2021 level. Readers interested in local transportation can track future monthly figures from the Rapid Transit System to see whether the trend holds.