Big changes are in the works for the city bus system. The public had mixed reactions at the final two information sessions Thursday.
The Rochester Transit Service will revamp bus systems by the end of the year to coincide with the opening of the downtown transit center on November 28th.
Riders made suggestions and voiced concerns directly to Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority officials.
CEO Bill Carpenter says rider input is taken into account, and changes are meant to make the bus commute more efficient.
“I think anytime you ask anyone to make a change there's anxiety and there's resistance. I think what we're trying to do is to get the education [out there] so that the change happens in their mind before the transit center opens,” said Carpenter. “We can provide them the peace of mind that we will have the staff there. We have their best interest in mind.”
RTS is moving to a system that will resemble a wheel with bus lines extending from the city center hub. Crystal Benjamin, planning director, says they are working toward clarifying the plans to the public.
“So, with the transit center and the true hub and spoke system we can make communication of where the service is better and clearer,” said Benjamin. “That's our goal.”
RTS will hold a public meeting on the subject on May 8th at 4:30 in the afternoon at SUNY Brockport.