More than two million rides were taken via bus and MAX last month, that’s a new record according to TriMet.

Bus stops and MAX platforms have been packed with commuters, especially during rush hour. TriMet says it’s seen a steady increase in recent months, but the number of riders peaked in April.

Commuters took 5,400 daily trips more last month than this time last year, that’s a 12 percent increase.

While commuters are saving money on gas, TriMet is overbudget to the tune of about three million dollars because of diesel. That means a fare increase is just around the corner.

KGW file

A Tri-Met bus travels through town.

“The good news is people are riding, the bad news is diesel is killing us,” said Mary Fetsch with TriMet. TriMet hasn’t decided how much the increase will be.

“Is it five cents? 10 cents? 15 cents enough? We’re still wrestling with that. We want it to reflect what’s happening at the pump,” said Fetsch.

TriMet is already planning a five cent fare increase for inflation.

It will announce the diesel-related increase later this month. The change will take effect in September.