PORTLAND, Ore. -- A record amount of people used TriMet MAX trains and buses in April, officials said Monday.

More than 2 million trips were taken on MAX and buses each week. It's the first time the transit agency has ever topped 2 million people for weekly ridership.

About 69,000 more trips were taken in each week in April 2008 compared to April 2007. There was also an 11.6 percent increase in daily trips.

TriMet officials said high fuel prices led to the spike in ridership.

“These record ridership increases show that riders are choosing transit to help offset high fuel prices,” said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. “Our transit system provides an alternative to getting around without always having to drive.”

In Oregon, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.73 and there appears to be no relief in sight. The cost of a barrel of crude oil rose $10 last week and hit another record high at $126.

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