Despite the slow fare increases and service cuts, TriMet ridership somehow reached a record level of trips (9.2 million) in May. According to TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch, this is the third time in TriMet history that monthly ridership has passed 9 million. AND the highest its been since Summer 2008.

But don't think it's just TriMet that's seen a substantial boost in ridership. Transit rides as a whole have increased 5 percent nationally since last year. Whether it be the recession or overall bettering of national transit systems, something's in the air.

But not so fast, transit-happy riders. September's substantial TriMet changes, thanks to a $12 million budget shortfall, could make a dent in this skyrocketing trend. As for now, keep on riding.