AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- ”I think people realize that public transit is part of the solution.”
When you think about getting around a small town, doing it by bus may not be the first way that comes to mind. You probably think about it even less when it comes to traveling between towns.
But Gloversville Transit Director Al Schutz is trying to "open the door" to a new way of thinking, especially when it comes to getting around Fulton and Montgomery Counties.
“We're building that bridge between Gloversville and Amsterdam and the two counties,” Schutz said.
Amsterdam, Gloversville and even Montgomery County have run separate transit systems for some time, but with three new runs between the glove and the rug cities every weekday, Gloversville Transit is linking them together. Now passengers can get around both counties with one simple connection at Amsterdam's River Front center or FMCC.
Folks in Fulton County have a new way to get around. The Gloversville transit system is growing. It's added three new runs in to Montgomery County. Our Mark Repasky tells us how the expansion is expected to save money for both commuters and taxpayers.
“With fuel costs rising the way they are, I think we need to find a more creative ways to deliver the service at a more efficient way for the taxpayer,” Schutz said.
There's another benefit to taxpayers. These new routes were designed with Medicaid patients in mind.
Buses stop at nearly every hospital and medical center in the area. Now Medicaid patients will be encouraged to take the bus instead of taking $30 to $40 taxi rides that are billed to taxpayers.
“The typical passenger will be someone with a medical appointment,” Schutz said.
It's not as convenient as door to door service, but Schutz says it's certainly more efficient. And with costs being driven up by high fuel prices, that's a big part to finding better ways to get around town.