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Senate to consider $800,000 in funding to expand RTS electric bus fleet

Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)’s proposal for preliminary design and environmental review of an electric charging depot has been included in legislation passed by the House of Representatives.

The $800,000 project was submitted as part of this year’s Surface Transportation Member Designated Projects and would help RGRTA, also known as Regional Transit Service (RTS), expand its electric bus fleet by up to 800 percent, officials said Wednesday.

“Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our nation and in order to combat its devastating effects, we need to make real investments in sustainable infrastructure,” said U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle. “This exciting project will build upon the steps RTS has already taken to invest in clean energy, reduce our carbon footprint and help Rochester lead the charge in environmentally-friendly public transportation. I am proud to have helped pass this in the House of Representatives and look forward to working with my partners in the Senate to make it a reality.”

RTS now has 10 electric buses in its fleet with another 10 scheduled to arrive in 2022. In order to further expand the number of electric buses, RTS needs a significant investment in upgrading its campus infrastructure. The estimated total cost of the charging depot for electric buses is $60.7 million. The $800,000 will get the project started by funding the preliminary design and environmental review. When complete, the new charging depot will allow RTS to simultaneously charge up to 80 vehicles.

Carpenter
Bill Carpenter

“I thank Congressman Morelle for including this funding in the INVEST in America Act and bringing us one step closer to building a new charging depot for electric buses,” said RTS CEO Bill Carpenter. “The only way we can meet Gov. Cuomo’s goal of having a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035 is to have this new charging depot built and in use by 2025. By transitioning our fleet to zero-emission vehicles we are embracing the future of public transit, improving the environment, reducing costs for taxpayers and making sure we can provide safe and sustainable mobility for our customers for many years to come.”

Officials noted that by replacing older diesel-powered vehicles with electric buses, we invest in zero-emission transportation that will have a profound effect on combatting the effects of climate change. For example, replacing one diesel bus with one electric bus reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by 90.5 metric tons per year. This means the replacement of 10 diesel buses with 10 electric buses will reduce GHG by 905 metric tons, which is the same as taking 197 personal vehicles off the road.

“Given the urgency of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, RTS and Congressman Morelle should be commended for their commitment to accelerating our region’s transition to electric buses,” said Abigail McHugh-Grifa, executive director of Climate Solutions Accelerator. “This is the kind of leadership our community needs to mitigate the threat of climate change and improve quality of life for local residents. Diesel fumes are dirty and dangerous, so we can all breathe a little easier knowing that cleaner, safer transportation options are headed our way.”

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RTS, elected officials call for increased transportation funding

New York state lawmakers and the Regional Transit Service (RTS) on Friday called for increased funding for public transit in the state budget, citing the role of transit in the recovery and growth of the economy. State Sens. Samra Brouk and Jeremy Cooney, and Assembly members Harry Bronson, Sarah Clark, Jennifer Lunsford and Demond Meeks joined RTS CEO Bill Carpenter for the press conference.

All of New York’s transit systems, including RTS, are asking for their funding to be increased by 10 percent above the level included in the 2020-21 enacted budget. This is consistent with the request from the transit systems for a 50 percent increase in funding over 5 years.

“Investment in transit is good for community growth and driving many from poverty to prosperity,” said Assemblyman Bronson, D-Rochester. “Investment in transit delivers more connections to jobs, health care, education; more reliable service; and creates and retains thousands of jobs in the state’s transit manufacturing and supply industry. For transit to be successful in meeting the state’s goals, greater investment in both service and infrastructure are essential.”

When COVID-19 emerged in the Rochester region, many businesses and organizations closed or transitioned to working from home, but throughout the pandemic, the public transit system kept running, officials noted. RTS responded immediately to the crisis, transporting essential workers, among other things.

“Public transportation provides a lifeline to access jobs, food and health care, and plays a key role in helping our community reopen, recover and grow,” Carpenter said. “Robust transit service will drive growth in jobs and the economy, address climate change, improve social equity, and move people from poverty to prosperity. That is why we need more funding. On behalf of the RTS team and our customers, I thank Gov. Cuomo and our representatives in the state Legislature for their support, and for their efforts to accelerate investment in transit.”

In addition to state operating assistance for transit being reduced over the past year, RTS saw significant losses of ridership and revenue. At the same time, RTS’ budget absorbed the increased costs of protective equipment for employees and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles and facilities to help keep people safe.

“The Regional Transit Service provides a service for so many in our community that is critical to their day-to-day lives,” said Assemblywoman Clark, D-Rochester. “Throughout the pandemic, at a time where other transit systems across the state cut back services and raised costs, RTS displayed incredible leadership and remained committed to providing essential services throughout the Greater Rochester region, while also maintaining the safety of riders and transit personnel alike. RTS stepped up to meet these challenging times, now the state must step up and provide them with the resources they need. State operating assistance must be restored and increased to reflect the growing needs of RTS. Now is the time for the state to demonstrate its commitment to public transit services and invest in an equitable recovery for all.”

Regional Transit Service is a regional transit authority established by New York state with more than 900 employees who serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

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Reimagine RTS to roll out May 17

Rochester’s Regional Transit Service will launch its long-awaited Reimagine RTS transit system design on May 17. The plan originally was scheduled to be implemented on June 29 last year but was postponed due to COVID-19.

Bill Carpenter
Bill Carpenter

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Reimagine RTS, we have been adjusting our plans and working to find the right time to launch the new system. I am pleased to announce that our customers will get to experience their new transit system on May 17, 2021,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said in a statement. “The design of the reimagined transit system was based on the hard work of the RTS team and the input of more than 12,000 people through surveys and more than 200 meetings and events throughout the community. The new system will be more frequent, reliable and connected and we are excited to bring it to life for our customers.”

Carpenter and his team first announced plans to redesign Rochester’s transit system in September 2017. At the time, the public transit system in Monroe County had remained the same for decades, designed when downtown Rochester was the center of the community.

In June 2019, the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority board of commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the final plan for the Reimagine RTS transit system redesign, as well as the June 2020 rollout.

Details of the reimagined transit system are included in the Reimagine RTS Final Recommendation Report, available online. The new system includes seven Community Mobility Zones, or CMZ, as well as a new on-demand service and improved frequencies and routes.

The new transit system will have 10 routes with a frequency of every 15 minutes, while 20 routes will have buses available every 30 minutes.

“I thank the team at RTS for their continued work on this project and I thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we have worked together to navigate the pandemic,” Carpenter said.

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Transit system receives ‘Heroes’ award

The Community Transportation Association of America has honored Rochester’s Regional Transit Service with the Heroes in Motion award for its work during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We are proud to honor RTS with our premier Heroes in Motion award for their outstanding transit service and innovation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thank you to Bill Carpenter and everyone at RTS for your unwavering devotion and ensuring your community was well taken care of during the most challenging of times,” said Loreal Lance, CTAA membership and business development director.

RGRTA Commissioner Bill McDonald offers his virtual congratulations to RTS CEO Bill Carpenter. (provided)
RGRTA Commissioner Bill McDonald offers his virtual congratulations to RTS CEO Bill Carpenter. (provided)

Heroes in Motion is a new award from CTAA. The organization asked board members and staff to reflect on transit agencies that have been working above and beyond their typical scope of services during the pandemic, agencies that displayed exemplary efforts in their innovation and dedication to their communities. Bill McDonald, who serves on the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority and CTAA boards, nominated RTS for the award.

“On behalf of the entire RTS team, I thank CTAA and RGRTA Commissioner Bill McDonald for honoring us with the Heroes in Motion award,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said. “From the moment COVID-19 emerged in our region, the RTS team took immediate action to help keep employees and customers safe while ensuring the continued availability of safe and sustainable mobility for our customers. The employees of RTS are performing heroically, are deserving of this award and I thank them for the great work they do each day.”

RTS has more than 900 employees who serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

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RTS adds 10 electric buses to fleet

Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority has added the first 10 electric buses to its Regional Transit Service fleet, part of an ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions produced by traditional diesel-fuel buses.

As announced in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address earlier this year, RTS and four other transit agencies have committed to having a 25 percent electric bus fleet by 2025 and a totally electric fleet by 2035. Wednesday’s announcement puts RTS on pace to exceed that goal.

“The future of public transit technology has arrived in the Finger Lakes region and I am grateful to be working with such a talented team of employees, supporters and partners to put RGRTA on the leading edge of this effort,” said RGRTA CEO Bill Carpenter. “This project is a true win for taxpayers and the community. By adding electric buses, we are embracing the future of transit, reducing costs for taxpayers, improving the environment and making sure we can continue providing safe, reliable mobility for our customers. I thank Gov. Cuomo and everyone involved in the project for making it possible. Because of the work we have done and what we learned over the past three years, we are well-positioned to meet Gov. Cuomo’s goals for 2025 and 2035.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez (at podium) joins RTS CEO Bill Carpenter in announcing 10 electric buses serving the Finger Lakes region. (provided)
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez (at podium) joins RTS CEO Bill Carpenter in announcing 10 electric buses serving the Finger Lakes region. (provided)

In April 2017, Cuomo announced funding for RTS to acquire its first electric buses and associated charging equipment. RTS expects to have 20 electric buses and charging infrastructure in place by the end of 2021 and estimates its fleet will be 35 percent electric by 2025, exceeding the governor’s goals and on pace to have a fully electric fleet by 2035.

“Regional Transit Service recognizes the need for cleaner power sources and, like NYPA, is a leader in the change-over to zero-emission transportation,” said New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “Replacing diesel-powered buses is a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The New York Power Authority is pleased to support this electric bus initiative that will help address air pollution in urban communities that can be exposed to a disproportionate share of emissions.”

The total cost of the 10 buses and associated charging infrastructure was roughly $12 million, which includes $7 million administered by the state Department of Transportation; $2.3 million of the $127.7 million in Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement funds, administered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and implemented by NYSERDA and NYPA; $1.7 million provided by RGRTA; and $1 million from the Federal Transit Administration.

“Today’s announcement underscores New York’s commitment to developing innovative approaches that advance and align our state’s progressive transportation and environmental agendas. This impressive new fleet is reflective of a broader goal: investing in sustainable, high-quality transportation networks and a greener, more environmentally-just New York,” said Senate Transportation Chairman Tim Kennedy.

The addition of the first ten electric buses to the RTS fleet is expected to reduce greenhouse emissions by 905 metric tons per year. RTS also expects to save costs on fuel and maintenance each year, with a total cost of ownership savings of $187,000 per bus compared with traditional diesel buses.

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State continues to make smart, sustainable investments in our transportation systems that will result in a reduced carbon footprint across the Empire State benefiting generations to come,” said state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “DOT is excited to lead the way in addressing our changing climate and supporting the electrification of public transit systems here in Rochester and across the state.”

Six of the 10 battery-powered electric buses are in service across the Finger Lakes region. RTS expects the remaining four buses will be in service this November. RTS serves more than 1.1 million New Yorkers in eight counties of the Finger Lakes Region.

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Summer Meals program to be expanded

Foodlink Inc., the city of Rochester and the Rochester City School District are taking a new and innovative approach to ensure that children in the community have access to nutritious meals this summer.

As the COVID-19 public health crisis continues to limit food access and has shuttered traditional summer programs, the Summer Meals Partnership of Rochester, grab-and-go meal options will be provided and parents will be allowed to pick up meals without the children being present – which has been a requirement in previous years. The partnership also is introducing more “mobile meals” options for children due to the cancellations of summer classes and reduced enrollment for summer programming and camps.

The three organizations collaborate with community partners such as Common Ground Health and the Rochester Area Community Foundation to organize and promote Summer Meals each year. The Foodlink Community Kitchen and the Rochester City School District prepare and deliver meals to dozens of sites across the city.

To help increase healthy food access in Rochester, the partnership will be collaborating with Regional Transit Service (RTS) to deliver meals to select neighborhoods that do not have an established Summer Meals site, such as an R Center, school or church. This new model, similar to an ice cream truck, will circle select neighborhoods and provide free meals all summer long.

“RTS has a long history of partnering with organizations in the Rochester region to connect people to important destinations and services,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said. “The Summer Meals partnership has always done a great job providing healthy meals to children each summer. During this COVID-19 pandemic, the team at RTS is happy to be a part of such an important program and looks forward to working with the partnership to find new ways to reach more children in the community.”

The city of Rochester and Foodlink also will increase the mobile meals program, which sends vans with meals to locations such as libraries and parks, where families often gather during the warmer months.

Last year’s Summer Meals program served nearly 250,000 meals, with an average daily participation rate of more than 3,920 children.

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RTS to implement no-fare rides, new procedures for entering buses

Rochester’s Regional Transit Service on Thursday said it would waive all bus fares and enact a new procedure for entering and exiting buses through April 19 or until the current State of Emergency is lifted. The new procedures will begin March 20.

“At this point, everyone should stay home and practice social distancing at all times. However we recognize that some travel is essential,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said. “We are grateful RTS is ensuring everyone has access to transportation to get those essential items, such as food or medicine.”

The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority board of commissioners approved today a resolution authorizing CEO Bill Carpenter to waive the payment of fares. Carpenter’s decision to implement the waiving of fares was made in consultation with Bello, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health Michael Mendoza M.D. and United Way of Greater Rochester Inc. President and CEO Jaime Saunders.

The waiving of fares will make critical travel to work or grocery stores easier, while also limiting the time spent at the closest point of contact between bus operators and customers. To further promote social distancing and the safety of everyone on the bus, customers will now use the rear door to enter and exit the bus until further notice, officials said. Customers with mobility limitations who need to use the ramp to board the bus will still be able to do so through the front door by signaling the bus operator.

“My thanks to RTS for helping those in need during this crisis. By waiving bus fares for riders, our families will have more resources to obtain the food and supplies they need,” Warren said in a statement. “I ask that everyone continue to practice social distancing while using buses. Also, be mindful and limit your trips to only those that are essential for food and supplies. Together, we can and will overcome the challenge this disease presents.”

Added Carpenter: “The number one priority at RTS is the safety and well-being of our employees and customers. The best way we can support that is to incorporate responsible social distancing practices while providing safe and sustainable public transportation that people can rely on to maintain access to critical services in the community.”

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Transit service approves Reimagine RTS redesign

One year and two days from now, Rochester’s public transit system will have a new feel to it.

Regional Transit Service CEO Bill Carpenter announced Thursday during a Facebook Live event that the Reimagine RTS redesign had been approved by the RTS board of commissioners.
Regional Transit Service CEO Bill Carpenter announced Thursday during a Facebook Live event that the Reimagine RTS redesign had been approved by the RTS board of commissioners.

The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority board of commissioners on Thursday unanimously voted in favor of the final plan for the Reimagine RTS transit system redesign. Regional Transit Service (RTS) has set a target date of June 29, 2020, to launch the reimagined system.

“It’s a watershed day for the Authority. This is a major transformation of the public transportation system in Rochester and Monroe County and throughout the region,” RTS Chaiman Geoffrey Astles said in a news conference.

Details of the reimagined transit system are included in the Reimagine RTS Final Recommendation Report, available online. The new system includes seven Community Mobility Zones, or CMZ, as well as a new on-demand service and improved frequencies and routes.

“The transit system approved today will not look like the same old bus company,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said during Thursday’s event. “Many of our customers will no longer need schedules. Our customers will know that when they get to the bus stop they will not have to wait long. All of our routes will run seven days a week and will do the same thing on every trip.”

RTS has worked with its stakeholders for the last two years to come up with a system that addresses frequency, reliability, accessibility and innovation.

“The reimagined system will have 9 percent more service hours, which means our customers will have more access to better transit. It means customers in the community mobility zones will have access throughout the day, throughout every day,” Carpenter said. “And it means paratransit customers will be able to complete all the trips they take today under the new system.”

RTS on-demand trips are curb-to-curb based on requested customer origin and destination. There is no set route or schedule like a conventional transit service. Customers can use the on-demand service within a CMZ to make a complete trip or connect to a fixed route service at either a connection hub or fixed route bus stop for travel outside the CMZ.

RTS on-demand customers can request a ride through the RTS mobile app, the RTS website
or by calling the RTS customer call center. The fee is $1 to $3.

The new RTS service will employ smaller vehicles for work related trips in the morning and afternoon, Carpenter said. When there are more people, the larger, 40-foot buses will be used; when fewer people are in need of transit, RTS will use smaller vans, like airport shuttles.

“Our customers will experience innovation when we introduce software online, by app or by phone to schedule on-demand trips, and mobile ticketing software for their fare payment,” Carpenter explained. “Their trips will be on display through improved technology behind the real-time information for customers to use to plan and complete their trips.”

The new transit system will have 10 routes with a frequency of every 15 minutes, while 20 routes will have buses available every 30 minutes, Carpenter noted. The base fare for the new fixed-route system will continue to be $1 per ride. The fare for senior citizens 65 and older and disabled customers is half price throughout the day. Military veterans are eligible for an RTS pass that enables them to ride RTS at no charge.

RTS has begun work on connection hubs and acquiring new vehicles, Carpenter said.

In May 2017, RTS hired California-based Transportation Management & Design Inc., which worked with a local firm, Highland Planning Inc., to conduct a study and analyze community input on a reimagined transit system. Altogether, the team received about 7,000 surveys from bus riders and 3,000 additional surveys and comments from community members and business and organization leaders who have a vested interest in the Reimagine RTS outcome.

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Local agencies part of coalition to increase transit funding

New York State transit budget (Source: New York Public Transit Association)
New York State transit budget (Source: New York Public Transit Association)

Dozens of agencies statewide have launched a coalition to seek funding for public transit.

The New Yorkers for Better Public Transit coalition comprises major transit systems from across the state, including Rochester’s Regional Transit Service, as well as members of the manufacturing, health care and economic development advocacy communities. The coalition is making the case for funding that will allow transit operators to grow with customer demands.

“Whether they live in city centers or rural towns, millions of New Yorkers rely on the services transit operators across New York provide on a daily basis,” said Bill Carpenter, RTS CEO and president of the New York Public Transit Association. “Our partners in the transit community and in other industries recognize transit’s role in regional growth and development. We are excited to partner with them to push for state funding in 2019 that complements the investments the state is making in our communities and cements transit as a key contributor in improving the lives of all New Yorkers.”

More than 9 million people in New York board public transit each weekday, and New Yorkers ride public transit more than 3.6 billion times annually, according to the National Transit Database. Public transit is a vital link for more than 3 million New Yorkers with disabilities.

“When we say transit investment boosts local economies, that’s not just an abstract idea,” said Nick Sifuentes, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “We’re talking about real people’s lives. When riders have access to transit, they can get to school, reach more job opportunities and stay connected to their communities—all without having to rely on a car. If we want to make sure everyone has a chance to succeed, we need to invest in our state’s public transit systems.”

The new coalition’s overarching goals, according to its position paper, is to implement a statewide transit action plan that supports all transit systems and communities throughout the state. Within that goal are four recommendations:

  • Increase funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that services New York City and other downstate areas. Provide long-term, recurring funding for the MTA through a congestion pricing program and other dedicated funding sources to address long-term capital and operating needs.
  • Implement a statewide plan that provides a multiyear investment plan that increases state operating assistance for upstate and downstate transit systems by 50 percent over the next five years, starting with a 10 percent increase in 2019-2020.
  • Continue to revitalize transit infrastructure. Provide $104.5 million in non-MTA transit capital aid as provided in the past two years; increase flexibility of funding.
  • Replace lost revenue to rural transit systems to continue essential services. Provide $5 million in permanent state funding to small urban and rural transit systems impacted by state Department of Health Medicaid transportation changes.

In addition to RTS and the Public Transit Association, the coalition includes the heads of the Capital District Transportation Authority, CENTRO, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and NICE Bus in Nassau County. Other coalition members from the transit community include the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and manufacturer Nova Bus.

Officials noted that transit does more than just bring people to work, school and other destinations; for every $1 invested in transit, $4 is generated in economic returns, and transit can help boost investments in health care, anti-poverty initiatives and education, they said.

“New York is home to more transit riders by far than any other state in the country,” said Denise Richardson, executive director of the General Contractors Association of New York. “Keeping public transportation strong is paramount to our economic health and well-being. All our GCA members are committed to doing just that, and we join with our colleagues around the Empire State to call for strong and reliable revenues that will ensure their continued success in moving millions of New Yorkers every day.”

Others who have joined the initiative include Reinvent Albany, the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Capital Region Chamber, Vision Long Island, Riders Alliance and the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, among others.

“Increasing public funding for transit is one of the best investments New York State government can make to grow the economy, improve quality of life, protect the environment and increase social justice,” Reinvent Albany Executive Director John Kaehny said. “We are proud to be part of this coalition working to make New York better for everyone.”

Coalition officials say increased transit funding will provide more mobility and connections in communities; shorter travel times, improved reliability and greater regional access; support for business growth and jobs; reduced poverty in upstate cities by providing greater access to jobs and training; improved livability; and revitalized downtowns, among other things.

“When considering investments in our community that can help families transition from poverty to prosperity, few can have the impact that greater investment in transit can have,” RMAPI Director Leonard Brock said. “More funding means better transit and better transit means better access to jobs, education and healthcare for those who need it most. If we are truly committed to reducing the rate of poverty in our state, and at the same time growing jobs and strengthening the economy, then we need a significant increase in funding for New York’s public transit system.”

The coalition has set up an online toolkit with information about the role transit plays in communities, as well as a petition to encourage Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature to increase transit funding.

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Transit system receives $2 million for electric bus charging

This electric bus is made by Proterra, one of dozens of electric bus manufacturers. (Source: Proterra)
Source: Proterra

Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, or RGRTA, will receive $2 million in federal funding to advance green initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Transportation funds will help Rochester’s Regional Transit Service, or RTS, construct a $10 million Advanced Environmental Service Building, which will both support charging of low-pollution electric buses and use reclaimed water to clean buses to reduce the environmental impact and lower operational costs.

“RGRTA’s transportation services are a lifeline for Rochester-area residents, institutions and businesses, and this new vital funding will allow them to build an Advanced Environmental Science Building on East Main Street in Rochester, complete with charging stations for their fleet of brand new, pollution-reducing electric buses,” U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said in a statement this week. “I fought to create this funding stream because investment in transportation infrastructure is critical for a healthy economy and quality of life.”

The U.S. DOT provided the funding through the Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment program, which provides funding to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as to construct bus-related facilities.

In April last year, RGRTA was awarded $5 million in state funding for the purchase of five electric buses. Months later the authority received federal funding for a sixth electric bus.

In early September, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York would invest its portion of the Volkswagen emissions settlement in clean transportation policies and programs. Some $128 million will be used to dramatically increase the number of electric vehicles across the state, with $52.4 million earmarked for electric buses. Cuomo has not said if or when RGRTA would receive a portion of those funds.

“There is a transformation taking place in the world of public transportation,” RGRTA CEO Bill Carpenter said. “The needs and expectations of our community are changing. New technologies and mobility options are emerging. Our customers and local businesses want us to do more.”

Carpenter said that is why RGRTA is “reimagining” public transit for the community. The funding will help RGRTA ensure its buses are maintained in a state of good repair, while also reducing its environmental impact.

“It will also support the charging infrastructure we need for new electric buses that will be added to our fleet in the next few years,” he added. “This is a smart investment in projects that will benefit our community for many years to come.”

RTS began studying Rochester’s public transportation system in Monroe County a year ago in order to improve service for its customers. Reimagine RTS includes three phases. During the first stage, nearly 200 meetings and information sessions were held to solicit input, and more than 14,000 people submitted online and in-person surveys.

In August, RTS released its consultant recommendations for the Reimagine RTS upgrade, signaling the end of the first stage of the transit system’s reworking. The second phase, scheduled to begin this fall, will include a study of mobility options aside from the traditional RTS buses to identify specific transportation methods that will provide access to the 5 percent of customers who do not live within walking distance of the recommended fixed-route system. That may include ridesharing or vanpooling.

Stage 3 will determine solutions for paratransit service, while stage 4 will present the finalized transit plan for approval and present the implementation plan. Stage 5 will include implementation of the reimagined public transit network, expected to take place in 2020.

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Consultant recommends route changes at RTS

reimagine-rts-logoRochester’s Regional Transit Service on Thursday released its consultant recommendations for the Reimagine RTS public transit upgrade, signaling the end of the first stage of the transit system’s reworking.

The recommendations include improvements to the fixed-route system, as well as several key areas of improvement.

“TMD’s completed report provides a clear recommendation for the specific structure of the fixed-route transit system in Monroe County,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said at a news gathering. “It also recommends the use of more cost-effective mobility options in the community mobility zones and the creation of connection hubs to help customer connect to different parts of the network.”

The consultant’s recommendation for the fixed-route system includes 30 routes that run seven days a week, with 10 frequent routes and 20 local routes. It also includes seven community mobility zones for the use of more cost-effective mobility options, and 11 connection hubs to help customers make the connection between the community mobility zones and the fixed-route system.

In RTS' frequent network, these 10 routes would offer more frequent service along major, mixed-use corridors and connections to other routes in the network.
In RTS’ frequent network, these 10 routes would offer more frequent service along major, mixed-use corridors and connections to other routes in the network.

Ninety-five percent of RTS’ current customers would be within walking distance of TMD’s recommended fixed-route system and 64 percent would be within walking distance of the frequent network.

Feedback from employees and the community has led to changes in the Route 10 Dewey – Short Line and Long Line route and the Route 3 Lyell Short Line route. TMD has recommended a seasonal route to Seabreeze that would originate from the Skyview Plaza connection hub and will operate during the summer months.

Additionally, recommendations call for a Pittsford-area connection hub near Pittsford Plaza, as well as a new community mobility zone in the southeast part of the county near Eastview Mall.

The recommended frequent network represents a new feature for the county’s fixed-route transit system. The 10 routes would offer more frequent service along major, mixed-use corridors and connections to other routes in the network.

Local service routes would provide circulation within neighborhoods and connect customers to the frequent network and the community mobility zones. It includes the addition of three crosstown routes that will provide improved connectivity with the frequent network and major destinations along each corridor. The crosstown routes include an east-west route along Ridge Road, a north-south route along Culver Road to Henrietta and an east-west route along Lyell Avenue and Upper Falls Boulevard.

The second stage of Reimagine RTS will focus on community mobility zones, officials said. It will include a study of mobility options aside from the traditional RTS buses to identify specific transportation methods that will provide access to the 5 percent of customers who do not live within walking distance of the recommended fixed-route system. It has been noted in the past that some of those options may include ridesharing or vanpooling.

In the next stage of Reimagine RTS the focus will be on community mobility zones that will connect customers between the fixed-route system and the more cost-effective mobility solutions in the community mobility zones.
In the next stage of Reimagine RTS the focus will be on community mobility zones that will connect customers between the fixed-route system and the more cost-effective mobility solutions in the community mobility zones.

Connection hubs have been recommended to help customers make the connection between the fixed-route system and the more cost-effective mobility solutions in the community mobility zones. They would be physical hubs of varying shapes and sizes at key locations throughout the system. Multiple transportation modes and facilities would be co-located at the hubs.

During Phase 4 of the first stage of the Reimagine RTS program, the community suggested a number of items they want added when funding is available, including more routes added to the frequent network, more frequency on weekday evenings and weekends and extended end time of service each day from midnight to 1 a.m.

Officials also said that as RTS looks for solutions for the community mobility zones they will look for opportunities to enhance service in Brighton and improve access for Park & Ride/commuter route customers.

During the first stage of Reimagine RTS, nearly 200 meetings and information sessions were held to solicit input, and more than 14,000 people submitted online and in-person surveys.

“With this stage of the project complete, we can now shift our focus to identifying the new mobility options that will help us provide a more connected and convenient transit system for the community,” Carpenter said. “I thank TMD and Highland Planning for their partnership on this project. I also thank the many employees, customers and stakeholders who have dedicated their time, passion and voice to such an important issue.”

The second stage of Reimagine RTS will begin this fall and run through the winter, and customers and other stakeholders will be involved in the process. Stage 3 will determine solutions for paratansit service, while stage 4 will present the finalized transit plan for approval and present the implementation plan. Stage 5 will include implementation of the reimagined public transit network, expected to take place in 2020.

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