Richland County Transit's free bus service into Ontario during the four Saturdays in December is off to a red-hot start.

662 people rode the buses last Saturday, more than double the 322 on the first Saturday last year.

61 people rode the circulator bus along Lexington-Springmill Road.

RCT Fiscal Officer Kathy Adams says these numbers certainly exceed expectations, and meet the goal of introducing first-time riders to public transportation.  And, she says there were many new passengers who were asking questions about riding the buses regularly.

The bus service continues the next three Saturdays, and again, it's fare-free.