State funds help Centro revamp public transit in Rome

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome in Oneida County will have new and improved public-transit services, thanks to $1 million in state funding as part of the Innovative Mobility Initiative, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

The improvements will include more vehicles and more drivers serving the city and represent the largest upgrade to the city’s public-transit system in more than 20 years, the state says.

With the funding, the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) implemented newly redesigned bus routes that increase both frequency and efficiency for riders. Centro also initiated mobility on-demand or micro–transit services to provide residents with additional options and more flexible service.

The redesigned service came after extensive studies of the existing service along with engagement with riders, stakeholders, and drivers to get feedback on how to best serve the area.

The resulting changes maintain three fixed routes that will increase bus frequency from every 45 minutes to every 30 minutes and continue to serve the most popular locations,which include Griffiss Airpark, Rome Health’s hospital, and the Erie Boulevard retail corridor.

A micro–transit “MOVE” zone was established, creating a larger service area that now has access to public transit. People can schedule rides for MOVE by calling (315) 356-MOVE or by downloading and using Centro’s MOVE app. MOVE works like other ride-sharing services and riders can pay ahead of time on the app and see their vehicle in real-time as it approaches.

“Investing in public transit is crucial for the wellbeing and connectivity of our communities,” Rome Mayor Jeffery M. Lanigan said. “We are grateful to Gov. Hochul for her commitment of $1 million to enhance Rome’s public-transit system. This grant will enable Centro to expand its service offerings and ensure that all riders, including those facing barriers, have equitable access to reliable transportation.

The Innovative Mobility Initiative is providing $10 million in funds to non-MTA transit authorities to expand service offerings and support riders who face barriers to accessing traditional transit by funding the creation of new transit alternatives or technological products.

Centro is the public-transportation provider for Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Oneida counties.