Virus forces transportation services to adjust
Across the region, transportation systems are beginning to alter the services they provide in the face of growing concerns — and shrinking demand — due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) has eliminated some routes and will likely reduce even more as the county grapples with a driver shortage, reduced demand and trying to find what County Executive Pat Ryan called the “right balance” between protecting public health and ensuring that those most dependent on public transportation have access to necessary services.
Likewise, Trailways has curtailed its services and beginning Friday, will reduce by half the number of passengers permitted on its buses nationwide, said Alexander Berardi, president of Trailways.
Amtrak has reduced service along the Northeast Corridor by 40 percent and has reduced its New York State service as well.
Metro-North, meanwhile, continues to operate a regular weekday schedule, although ticket agents won’t accept cash at ticket windows or on trains.
The Dutchess County Loop bus system also continues to operate on a regular schedule.
The changes come as concern over the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, grows and fewer people are venturing out into public spaces.
A post on Ulster County’s website Tuesday indicated that due to a shortage of drivers, several bus routes have been eliminated.
Ryan said the lack of drivers is likely because drivers, like many other county residents, are trying to reduce their potential exposure to the virus.
“Many of our drivers are seniors who are in a higher risk category,” Ryan said. “I’m 99 percent sure some of them are using sick time or other time.”
He said that while he didn’t have up-to-date UCAT ridership numbers, anecdotally, ridership numbers have dropped significantly in response to the recommendations and guidance of local, state and federal governments to stay at home whenever possible. Likewise, ridership
numbers for the Dutchess County bus system are also down substantially, according to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro’s office.
Ryan said additional changes to the Ulster County Area Transit bus system are
expected in the upcoming days, as the county “repurposes” some of the fleet for use in county’s Project Resilience effort announced by Ryan Tuesday.
Under that project, UCAT buses will be used to deliver foods to hubs that will be established throughout the county. Ryan said he expects the county to establish hubs in each region of the county. Food will be delivered
to those central locations by UCAT buses where it will either be picked up by residents or by volunteers and not-for-profits for delivery to those without transportation.
Ryan said he expects three or four buses to be used for the project.
Ryan said that while the county bus service will continue to operate under a reduced schedule, he won’t
rule out shutting the down the system altogther if circumstances warrant such a move.
“We’re trying to balance, but public health is obviously going to be the No.1 priority, Ryan said. “I’m hesitant to end UCAT unless something dramatically changed, but I wouldn’t rule anything out.
“It’s a rapidly changing situation,” he said. 79 Hurley Ave.
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