Money for Rome Public Transit Upgrades

Money For Rome Public Transit Upgrades

Press Release March 4, 2024

Enhancements Supported By $1 Million From Governor Hochul’s Innovative Mobility Initiative, Announced in 2023 State of the State

Initiative Represents More Efficient Centro Bus Routes and New Mobility On-Demand Services to Provide Additional Options for Riders

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new and improved public transit services in the City of Rome, representing the largest upgrade to the City’s public transit system in two decades, and resulting in more vehicles and more drivers serving the citizens of Rome than ever before. Supported by $1 million from Governor Hochul’s ground breaking Innovative Mobility Initiative originally announced in her 2023 State of the State Address, the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) has implemented newly redesigned bus routes that increase frequency and efficiency for riders. Centro has also initiated mobility on-demand or microtransit services to provide residents with additional transit options and more flexible service.

“Public transit that is safe, accessible and affordable will help grow our economy, protect our environment and improve quality of life,” Governor Hochul said. “The improvements in Rome are part of our commitment to modernizing our transportation systems across New York to give riders more options and better service, which helps our local communities prosper.”

The Innovative Mobility Initiative is providing $10 million in funds to non-MTA transit authorities to expand service offerings and support riders who face barriers to accessing traditional transit by funding the creation of new transit alternatives or technological products. Centro’s redesigned service for Rome came after extensive studies of the existing service structure and engagement with riders, stakeholders and drivers to get their feedback on how best to serve the area. The resulting service enhancements maintain three fixed-routes that will increase frequency from 45 minutes to 30 minutes and continue to serve the most popular locations: including Griffiss Airpark, Rome Health Hospital and the Erie Boulevard corridor that includes retail locations and Walmart.

Additionally, a microtransit “MOVE” zone was established, creating a larger service area that now has access to public transportation. People can schedule rides for “MOVE” by calling 315-356-MOVE, or by downloading Centro’s “MOVE” app from iOS or ANDROID, establishing an account, and scheduling a ride. The app works just like other ride-sharing services. Riders can pay ahead of time on the app and see theirvehicle in real-time as it approaches the pick-up location.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With the investments Governor Hochul is making in public transit, New York State is helping to make it easier and more efficient for riders to get to work, home or the store without using a car, which also advances our nation-leading agenda to fight climate change. The enhancements being made to Centro’s bus service are a complete win-win situation, helping this large upstate transit agency better serve its customers while putting the City of Rome on a path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Centro Deputy CEO Christopher Tuff said, “We are thrilled to debut this service in Rome. MOVE will provide a convenient transportation option for more residents of the Copper City. We will be providing a larger coverage area with more buses and more bus operators to get our residents to where they need to go.”

State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “We must continue to seek out ways to improve public transit in New York. These upgrades will enhance public transportation, sustain service, and provide more efficient and frequent options to users in Rome.”

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “So many rely on public transportation to get to work, medical appointments, and school. I appreciate the investment in the City of Rome by the Governor and Commissioner Dominguez and look forward to the improvements that will be made to the public transit system.”

County Executive Anthony Picente said, “These improvements to Rome’s public transit will increase the frequency and efficiency of bus routes to some of the city’s most vital locations,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “The addition of Centro’s mobility on-demand services will also provide residents with more transit options and more flexible service. This upgrade to its public transportation system will help to support the City of Rome’s continued growth and I thank the State of New York for it support.”

Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan said, “Investing in public transit is crucial for the well-being and connectivity of our communities. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment of $1 million to enhance Rome's public transit system. This grant will enable CENTRO to expand its service offerings and ensure that all riders, including those facing barriers, have equitable access to reliable transportation.”

For more information about Centro and its services, please visit www.centro.org.