It was a packed house on Wednesday for the public information session about Pittsford’s place in the the RTS system re-design.
As RTS moves forward to better serve the people in the Rochester region who need the bus the most –while facing decreasing funding and ridership — the agency has been working on redesigning its system.
The new system will tighten the geographic boundaries of its frequent fixed route service to accomplish that. Alternatives to the big traditional buses will provide service in areas outside that fixed route boundary. Pittsford is one of those areas.
What’s Being Proposed for Pittsford
The Monroe Ave Bus will stop somewhere near 3750 Monroe Ave [See map above].
A connection hub will connect riders with a smaller bus — RTS Flex Service — to take them to areas in the Pittsford/Eastview community mobility zone. The hub will offer people a dry, warm place to transfer. Currently, the transfer will not cost additional fare.
Pittsford/Eastview Community Mobility Zone:
As mentioned above, the big bus will no longer go to the village or Eastview Mall. Those areas will be in the Pittsford/Eastview Community Mobility Zone and serviced by RTS Flex Service. [See maps below.]
RTS Flex Route Service will operate along a dedicated fixed-route in the Pittsford/Eastview zone. Riders within 3/4 mile of that fixed route will also have the flexibility to call for pick-up and drop-off. The vehicle will be equipped with GPS so you can still use the app to know when the bus is coming, if you are waiting along the fixed route. If you don’t have a smart phone or the app, the bus will arrive within 5-10 minutes of the schedule along that fixed route.
Pittsford Urban-Suburban Program Students:
One of the big concerns is what will happen for Urban-Suburban Program families that rely on RTS for school transportation in Pittsford, particularly those at Mendon High School. RTS, the Rochester City School District and the Pittsford Central School District are committed to assuring those students can still not only get to/from school, but also have the freedom to attend after school activities and sports practices.
Thanks to all who attended last night’s meeting with RTS on future bus service for Pittsford. One of my main concerns has been making sure that students in the Urban-Suburban program aren’t harmed by any changes. The Rochester City School District is responsible for their transportation. It was therefore a source of relief and encouragement to receive at the meeting a joint letter from RTS and the City School District confirming that, come what may with bus service changes, they are committed to meeting the needs of our students who come in from the City. Special thanks to Pittsford School Superintendent Mike Pero and School Board President Amy Thomas for their presence and participation at last night’s meeting. Together, we’ll monitor that commitment to assure its fulfillment.
Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Smith
Paratransit:
Another priority in the new RTS design is paratransit. RTS hopes to ensure that the existing paratransit service is still covered in the new design. RTS Access will be having a meeting about paratransit in March. We will follow up with you, once we have more information on that service and how it might impact those who depend on it.
There are still a lot of details to work out. Let me know if you have specific questions and I’d be happy to help!