By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The SEPTA system is getting crowded.

Ridership is up again, according to SEPTA Spokesman, Andrew Busch.

“We’ve seen approximately 4 percent increase in ridership this year and that follows a 4 percent increase in ridership last year. It’s happening on the Regional Rail system, on our buses in the city and the suburbs and the subways and trolleys.”

He says new riders are staying in their seats and SEPTA is trying to keep them as customers.

“Last year we set a 22-year high for our ridership, with 334-million trips and we’re on pace to go past that number this year. Compared to the same point last year, we’re nearly 10-million trips above that number already.”

He attributes the extra passengers to the high cost of gas and the improving job market.