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Committee discusses routes, electrification and a DOT transit study for rural service
Summary
Members and staff discussed route coverage, the feasibility of electric buses in hilly terrain, a NYSDOT regional transit study and a small county study fund (transcript cites roughly $40,000) to assess expansion and needs.
Committee members pressed county planners on the reach and operation of the public transit system and whether vehicles purchased with grant funds could be electric. A committee member asked, "Are these buses being made to be electric, or can they still be gas or diesel?" Marie Meyer Shearing and county staff responded that diesel and gas vehicles remain an option given local topography and operating constraints.
Staff explained that federal DOT funds are routed through NYSDOT to the county and then to the operating contractor (Transdev). County staff said route expansion depends on demand, the DOT regional study and funding; they noted a NYSDOT study (phase work described) covering southern-tier counties is forthcoming and the county has a small study pool—transcript references the amount as about $40,000. Participants also raised practical concerns about bike-share theft, the lack of safe bike corridors on high-speed roads, and limits on rideshare models (vehicle age and insurance requirements) as alternate solutions.
Speakers said the county expects to continue talking about transit options over the coming year as costs, provider capacity and study results become clearer.
