Study Reveals Need For Public Transit - County Best Suited To Run, Study Recommends

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELAWARE COUNTY - A recently conducted county-wide transportation study revealed Delaware County requires public transit and the best organization for the job is the County itself.

Transportation issues were already well known without a study, said Commissioner of Social Services Keith Weaver. "The need for reliable transportation is a well-known perennial problem," he explained, "Lack of transportation is a substantial barrier to individuals accessing medical, mental health, and substance abuse services and can be a large contributor to food insecurity."

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce ignited efforts to conduct a transportation study to assess needs in 2021. With a grant from the Rural Health Network of South Central New York and County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds the analysis started in 2022. Via Strategies was hired to conduct the study. The company worked with the Chamber and a stakeholder steering committee to identify goals and organize findings.

The organization reviewed demographics, major trip needs (medical, senior, childcare, and education facilities), already established transportation, a survey of potential public transit use, and transportation alternatives. The consultants used reviewed information to generate operational and administrative, funding, and service recommendations.

Key recommendations include the development of a county-run public transit. The study found that the county is in a better position to operate services rather than smaller municipalities or nonprofits. Up to 85% of public transit services can be funded by the federal government with a local funding match. The study suggests utilizing County general funds and grants for the matching portion. Fare fees could also help the County keep the system operating.

The findings recommend a focus area in Delhi and Walton to get the system started as those areas will render high use. Once this is established and additional funding is secured, it is recommended a scheduled service be available for all county residents. In expanding, the county should consider transportation to Oneonta, the study said.

The County has discussed establishing a new committee to address transportation needs, said Weaver. The committee, said Weaver, will "identify actionable steps we, as a community, can take to make some forward progress."

The full study can be reviewed at delawarecounty.org under the resources tab.