The elimination of RTS On Demand is prompting a call for expanded fixed-route bus service and more state and federal transit funding from state Sen. Jeremy Cooney.
Cooney, chairman of the state Senate Transportation Committee, said Wednesday that losing the service would hurt riders who depend on it each day, according to a statement from his office.
“The elimination of RTS On Demand is a direct hit to those who rely on its services each day and underscores the need for greater financial support,” he said.
Cooney said he secured a 7% increase in upstate public transit funding in this year's state budget and has championed legislation aimed at keeping communities connected. He said that support is still insufficient.
His statement described public bus service as part of a regional transportation network serving more than 10 million people annually and supporting more than 1,000 jobs. Those figures referred to regional public bus service, rather than RTS On Demand alone.
Cooney urged RTS to expand its fixed-route services and called on state and federal partners to increase public transit funding. He pointed to trips for children's medical appointments, access to work and older adults' ability to reach community resources as reasons to strengthen service.
“Upstate New York deserves better public transit, and I’ll continue pushing for ways to meet transportation needs across the Finger Lakes,” he said.
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