Commuting to Work Just Got Easier for Wayne County!
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 18, 2009
Contact: Myriam Contiguglia mcontiguglia@rgrta.com
Direct: (585) 654-0601 Cell:(585) 269-4779
Commuting to Work Just Got Easier in Wayne County
New early morning commuter service great for county employees
LYONS, NY - The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) announced today the addition of early morning commuter service from Clyde to Lyons and Newark in the Wayne Area Transportation Service (WATS) Route 31 Shuttle.
“Today, we have more people riding the bus in Wayne County, they are happier doing it, and we are far more efficient in the manner that we provide the community service,” said Mark Aesch, Chief Executive Officer of RGRTA. “We are pleased to announce the expansion of the WATS Route 31 Shuttle service from Clyde to Lyons and Newark.”
Joining RGRTA Vice President of Regional Operations, Ryan Gallivan for the announcement were Wayne County Clerk and RGRTA Commissioner Michael Jankowski, James Hoffman Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, Town Supervisors Jim Fabino and Steve Groat and Clyde Mayor Jerry Fremouw.
In the course of his work day, Wayne County Clerk Michael Jankowski has the opportunity to speak with residents from all around Wayne County, many of whom are county employees. During the high point of fuel costs when gasoline prices hovered around $4 per gallon many who work at the county offices in Lyons were feeling the impact of high gas prices on their personal household budgets.
Working with Wayne County Administration and CSEA, RGRTA developed and administered a transportation demand survey to county employees. The results of the survey showed that county employees would consider taking public transportation to commute to and from work.
“The results of the survey also told us that there were a significant number of employees living in and around the Village of Clyde who would choose to use public transportation to commute to work,” said Commissioner Jankowski.
“This is absolutely wonderful during these economic times,” said Steve Groat, Supervisor of the town of Galen. “I am especially happy for the regular commuters that can utilize their travel time more efficiently to perhaps read or prepare for their daily work agenda.”
Public transportation has played a role in the history of the Town of Galen and the Village of Clyde. The Erie Canal and rail service connected Wayne County businesses and families to other parts of New York State.
“It brings back memories of the old Rochester-Syracuse and Eastern Trolley System.Passengers were brought directly to the commercial district to eliminate additional shuttle time.I want to thank RGRTA for their cooperation and the many Galen residents that responded positively to the survey,” said Supervisor Groat.
The Board of Supervisors is a strong supporter of public transportation in Wayne County. Affordable, reliable public transportation removes one of the largest obstacles to taking advantage of economic, educational and cultural opportunities in Wayne County.
“Expansion of commuter service is good news for county employees and commuters. It is also a step forward in the development of public transportation that is integral part to economic development in the 21st century,” said Jim Hoffman, Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors. “I commend RGRTA for responding to the needs of Wayne County residents and promoting economic development in our county.”
More and more people are turning to public transportation as a regular mode of transportationin Wayne County. WATS has seen a 14% increase in ridership over the past two years. In 2008-09, 157,000 customers chose to ride WATS.
“With the demand for service from county employees and the steady rise in ridership we were able to add additional early morning service that would drop people off in Lyons before the start of work and allow plenty of time for commuters traveling on the Newark,” said Aesch.
RGRTA has seen the highest ridership in nearly 20 years with 17 million customers on board.RGRTA credits this ridership increase to higher quality customer service. Ridership is 2.5 times the national average. When public transit systems across the country are cutting service and raising fares, RGRTA continues to expand service in response to the increase in demand and is committed to keeping the fare stable for the next three years.
Wayne Area Transportation Service began offering fixed route service in 1980 with a fleet of 3 vans. Today, WATS provides service to more than 150,000 customers annually on five fixed routes in 15 towns and nine villages.
WATS also links Wayne County residents with downtown Rochester and employment centers in Monroe County via the Route 104 and Route 31 corridors. For more information on WATS fixed route service visit the website at www.rgrta.com.
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