“This is my pledge: To elevate transportation into a community connection, a dynamic force propelling Steuben County toward Inclusivity”
From Steuben County NY, pictured is Mobility Manager Edward VanStine speaking to legislators
BATH – Both a recent survey and public input for Steuben County’s comprehensive plan point to an overwhelming need for an improved public transportation system the county.
With only 13.6 percent of all county roads covered by public transportation, the need is critical, according to a report by Steuben County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Committee.
The report was recently presented to the county Legislature’s Human Service, Health and Education Committee by county Mobility Manager Edward VanStine.
According to the report, several transportation providers offer fixed-route services in the county. However, most county residents live outside those fixed, or allowable deviation, route lines. Volunteer driver programs and human service agencies work meet the needs outside those lines for residents who lack a car of their own or face other transportation barriers.
The report notes the impact of public transportation on employment, with current transit schedules out of sync with common work shifts. The lack of coordination impacts employers and employees, as well as access to non-emergency medical appointments and other human service and social service programs.
Economically challenged families face serious difficulties in transportation, the report states.
Some 48 percent of the county’s active public assistance caseload live outside the three main transportation hubs while almost 10 percent of those people in public housing units have no access to private transport – above the national average of 7 percent.
The goals of the committee are highly motivated, far-reaching and include:
- To advocate for consistent and predictable funding levels that will sustain public transportation service long-term. Coordination among providers will help keep public transportation services cost effective and resilient.
- To encourage and facilitate the most efficient use of all Federal, State and local funds used to provide passenger transportation in non-urbanized areas through the coordination of programs and services.
- To improve the delivery of transportation services for the target populations.
- To generate operational efficiencies that can lead to increased levels of service.
- To encourage cooperation and coordination among transportation providers.
“Transportation in Steuben County isn’t just a convenience; it’s the very heartbeat of progress. With every bus route mapped and each road paved, we carve out paths of possibility, stitching together the varied corners of our community into a harmonious quilt that shelters every generation,” VanStine said. “Here, we don’t simply move people— we ignite journeys of purpose and possibility. This is my pledge: to elevate transportation into a symphony of community connection, a dynamic force propelling Steuben County toward an inclusive and thriving tomorrow where no one is left behind.”
For more information contact Steuben County Mobility Manager Edward VanStine at (607) 776-9467.
