County Area Transit System
Linking People to the Workplace
The
County contracted the management, operation, and maintenance of the
countywide public transportation system to Coach USA, an Elmira based
transit corporation, in mid-1996. Through
Coach USA, Ontario County offers its residents two types of transportation
services: fixed-route and
dial-a-ride (DAR). The fixed
route system includes five routes that operate 7 days a week on a fixed
daily time schedule, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Dial-a-ride service operates where fixed route service is not
available Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
It is activated upon passenger request and requires 24-hour advance
notice to schedule for a particular day and time.
Since
its start-up, CATS ridership has continued to increase.
Ridership on the fixed route system increased from 120,306
boardings in 1999 to 143,808 boardings in 2002.
This represents a growth of 20% since 1999.
DAR statistics show a steady increase in ridership from 28,151
boardings in 1999 to 75,157 in 2002.
This represents an increase of 167% since 1999.
Although
modification to the fixed routes has occurred over the years, and demand
response service is now available countywide, area employers continue to
cite "access to reliable transportation" as a major barrier to
potential employees wanting access to entry-level positions.
The
purpose of this study is to examine the system and develop a plan for
providing improved linkages between employers and potential employees.
(Click here
to go to the Report)
The final report compiles the information on the existing CATS system, dial-a-ride ridership, population characteristics, employment development trends, and existing services available to employers and potential employees. It further builds on this information and identifies potential opportunities for improving employer- employee linkages using the CATS bus system. Funding sources are then identified to assist in the implementation of the various recommendations identified in the report.
This project was funded by the Genesee Transportation Council through the United Planning Work Program (UPWP 8215).
For
more information or questions contact Angela Ellis, Senior Planner,
Ontario County Planning Department - 585-396-4455 or angela.ellis@co.ontario.ny.us
.