BOSTON (AP) — Ridership on the MBTA is up for the 15th consecutive month, the longest period of growth in the transit system’s history.

The T announced Wednesday that it had a weekday average of 1.371 million passenger trips last month, a 4.4 percent increase over April 2011.

The jump was fueled largely by bus ridership, which topped 400,000 for the average weekday in consecutive months for the first time.

Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis credited the boost in bus ridership to the more than 100,000 smartphone users who have downloaded apps that provide real-time schedule information.

The figures were released as the T prepares to implement average 23 percent fare hikes July 1, along with some service reductions. The Legislature is considering a transportation bill that would stave off deeper cuts if passed.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.