Final Draft of Route Optimization Plan to be Presented to the Public on November 6

Public Invited to Review and Comment on Proposed Bus Routes and Schedules

KINGSTON, NY - The Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) and Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) are inviting the public to review and comment on a new set of proposed bus routes and schedules as part of a Route Optimization Plan. The final draft scenario outlining how transit service could evolve in Ulster County will be introduced at two public sessions on Thursday, November 6, offering residents an opportunity to learn more, review the proposed routes and schedules, ask questions, and provide feedback.

The Route Optimization Plan aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UCAT’s bus service by identifying the best way to arrange routes so that riders can get where they need to go with fewer transfers and delays. The Plan also supports the County’s goal of fully electrifying its bus fleet by 2035./p>

Route Optimization Plan – Final Draft Route and Schedule Public Sessions

• Thursday, November 6 - Two sessions: 4 PM and 6 PM (Doors open at 3 PM for browsing maps and materials) 
• In person at the Kirkland/RUPCO Offices (2 Main Street, Kingston) or remotely via Zoom (meetings will be recorded and posted) 
• Language Access: Real-time Spanish translation available via Zoom
• To view the proposed routes and schedules, learn more about the meetings, and register for Zoom access, visit: https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/ucat-route-plan

The final draft proposals were developed with extensive public input gathered throughout 2024, along with technical findings and field testing conducted over the summer. They mark the culmination of a year and a half of planning, public engagement, and analysis to improve the County's transit service.

The recent changes made to service following the loss of the Kingston Plaza transfer point were not part of the Route Optimization Planning process. However, the public feedback received regarding those recent changes will inform near-term adjustments in service as well as Route Optimization Plan implementation. The County remains committed to ensuring that rider feedback informs both immediate service decisions, and long-term planning through the Route Optimization Plan. 

The Route Optimization routes will be available for public review and comment through the month of November. There is no set timeline for phased-in implementation; the proposals will be submitted to UCAT for consideration following the public comment period.

“After a year-and-a-half of analysis and public engagement, we're excited to move to this final phase of the process," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “Public participation remains vital to the success of this effort, and I encourage residents to join us for public review and comment on the recommendations on November 6!"

For more information, visit: https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/ucat-route-plan