Rural public transportation is a tough nut to crack. The main complaint we hear from non-users of the system is that it appears under-utilized. We have been working to change this state of affairs. First, some background.

  Tioga County's current system of mass transit was launched in 1992 as a way to manage our obligation our Medicaid-eligible residents. The county is charged with transporting people to medical appointments and other types of services. The system was designed to accommodate this mandate and at the same time, offer a transportation option to all residents. There are two ways to use the system. The fixed routes have regular schedules, available on the county web site, and at various locations throughout the county. The system also offers a measure of customization by way of the "dial-a-ride" option. This is a feature by which any person needing transport and who is not convenient to a fixed route, may be accommodated for an small additional fee, by calling 24 hours previous to the trip. The numbers are 699-3424 or 1-800-388-4881. Both call into the First Transit office in Nichols, which handles dispatching.

 Once in motion, the system was pretty much left to run on its own. The cost to local taxpayers is minimal, (The buses, although owned by the county, are 90% paid for by the federal government and the operator pays the other 10%), and the patients were being served. Some of the fixed routes are quite successful, such as the runs to Ithaca and Cornell University, while others appear underused.

  The system came under scrutiny by the legislature in 2003, after a report by a transportation consultant made suggestions as to routes and we began talking with and polling riders and non-riders. A public hearing took place in winter of 2004, many concerns were brought forth, and the first changes in 12 years began to be implemented. A transit committee of the legislature was formed, and began to meet regularly. It was around this time that a fleet of new busses featuring colorful graphics, were delivered. The Transit Advisory Committee which had been meeting quarterly since 1992, was in July ‘05, assigned more oversight and planning responsibility, a statement of purpose is defined in the resolution, and its membership has been codified by job title. Also this summer the first route changes in a dozen years were voted. 
 The route changes go to the purpose of the system, which is, "to maximize the benefits of the system for our residents and visitors;" "…especially as they affect working people and the elderly…" Another group we hope and expect will benefit are our community college attendees. After implementation late this summer, Tioga County residents will be much more easily able to access destinations in Broome County, including BCC. Broome County shoppers, likewise, will be able to visit Tioga County.
 So, we have a good-looking fleet of modern vehicles, gas prices inching towards $3.00/gallon, a route structure which is coming more and more to reflect our desired destinations, and yet… 

 We also added six day a week service to and from the Hickories/Treadway Inn/Owego Village/grocery stores, and the FREE Community Pool at Marvin park. The fee is 50 cents, one way. It has been the hottest summer we remember. I expected to see bus after bus taking people who are residing at the town park to the pool. But this is not the case. 

 Are Americans too dependent on our personal automobiles? Has the county not advertised sufficiently? What do we have to do? 

 Rural transit is, indeed, a tough nut to crack. Your suggestions are welcome.