Dutchess County bus on Market Street in downtown Poughkeepsie
POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie is spending more than $250,000
per year to subsidize its municipal bus system and that is at the same
time ridership is down. From 2015 to 2016, Mayor Robert Rolison said the
number of people using the service declined by some 38,800.
From 2012 to 2016, ridership decreased by 121,124.
The mayor noted the county provides bus service in the city on many of
the same routes. He said the county is “better equipped” to
provide service in the city and to connect residents to other parts of
the county.
At the February 6 common council meeting, officials will present information
about the transfer of service. “Combining these two systems is the
clear choice,” said Rolison. “City residents will be able
to travel more efficiently throughout their own city earlier in the morning
and later at night.”
Rolison said it is “unfair to city taxpayers to continue to subsidize
two separate transit systems when those buses pass each other on the same
streets day after day. This new integrated system will provide better
transportation options for our citizens. We need these improved efficiencies
to ensure the growth and revitalization of the Queen City.”
