During last week’s Yates County legislative meeting, the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority presented a proposal to expand its services to the county, offering improved public transit options. The authority outlined a detailed plan, including route structures, operational details, and financial implications, sparking discussions about the county’s public transportation future.
Proposed Services and Benefits
The RTA presented a comprehensive service plan that includes four primary routes connecting key areas within the area, such as Penn Yan, Dundee, Rushville, and Geneva. Additionally, the plan incorporates a dial-a-ride service to cover areas beyond the fixed routes, providing flexibility for residents in more remote locations.
Miguel Velázquez, CEO of RGRTA, emphasized the organization’s mission to provide reliable, accessible, and sustainable transportation. The proposal includes enhanced connectivity to neighboring counties, making it easier for residents to access employment, medical appointments, and shopping centers.
Velázquez highlighted other potential benefits, including access to federal and state transit funding, shared administrative resources, and future innovations like on-demand service and mobile ticketing.
Financial Considerations
While the proposal offers significant enhancements to local transit, it also comes with a financial commitment. RGRTA estimates an annual operating budget of $1.5 million for Yates County services, supported by state aid, federal grants, and local mortgage recording taxes. However, an anticipated $1.1 million deficit raised concerns among legislators. Velasquez assured that efforts would focus on securing additional funding through state budget allocations and operational efficiencies.
Legislators were particularly attentive to the requirement of increasing the county’s mortgage tax by 0.25% to support transit operations. Some expressed concerns about the potential financial strain on the county’s taxpayers, while others viewed the investment as a necessary step to modernize the county’s transportation system.
Community Impact and Feedback
The discussion also touched on addressing transportation needs for employment access and serving areas like Keuka College and Branchport. Legislators and community members noted the importance of tailoring routes to meet local demands. RGRTA emphasized its flexibility and commitment to evolving services based on ridership data and community feedback.
One notable point was the authority’s practice of integrating services with local highway departments to reduce costs. Legislators suggested exploring similar partnerships, such as utilizing the county’s fuel facilities.
Next Steps
The decision to join RGRTA will involve further analysis and public discussions. Legislators stressed the importance of ensuring long-term financial sustainability while meeting the county’s growing transportation needs. Discussions on the topic will continue in future meetings, with community input playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome.
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