Public transit can be a lifeline for a region – it allows members of a community to go to their jobs, to shop at local businesses and to get around when driving is not an option. Recently, public bus authority Centro put forth a proposal to slash transportation services due to rising costs and inadequate funding. Many Central New Yorkers rely on these buses to get to and from work, and cutting services would be a massive blow to hardworking families in the community. That’s why I’m leading efforts with other Onondaga County representatives to ensure funding for transportation services is a top priority in this year’s budget.

Centro serves Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Oneida counties, and Central New Yorkers rely heavily on their services. About 12 million riders use Centro’s buses each year.^[1] Reducing bus services, or raising fares, would do a massive disservice to those who depend on public transit.

The proposed plan will halt bus services after 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and will cancel all bus service on Sundays and holidays. It would also mean ending midday services on 82 Baldwinsville and 462 Manlius routes here in our region. For those who work long hours, weekends or the night shift, the new schedule will leave them with no way to get to and from their jobs. This is especially troubling for hospital and health care workers that work late and overnight shifts. Centro’s buses provide 330,000 rides on Sundays alone.^[2]

I’ve met one-on-one with executives from Centro, spoken with local health care providers and listened to your concerns, and I know how important these bus services are. I encourage members of the community to make your voices heard. Centro will be holding an information session on Wednesday, March 11, from 2 - 4 p.m. with a public hearing following from 4 - 7 p.m. at 800 South State St., Syracuse. You can also submit your comments online by visiting centro.org/CustomerFeedback.aspx, leave a message at 442-3400 or fax your comments to 422-3337 by March 27.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or 452-1115.