CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – A new public transportation service is live in Cortland County.

Centro buses began running their first routes yesterday, the first time the Central New York transit company has expanded its network in 20 years.

“We are thrilled to begin bus services in Cortland County,” said Centro Deputy Chief Executive Officer Christopher Tuff. “Residents can look forward to safe, reliable and equitable transportation that will use the latest technologies to make using the bus an easy, convenient and desirable option. Our mission is to be a driving force moving communities forward, and that’s what we intend to do in Cortland.”

Seven routes are running in total, including four in and around the City of Cortland, a route that stops in the county’s rural municipalities, a TC3/Dryden route, and a route to Cornell University.

Credit: centro.org

“Efficient and affordable public transportation supports equity and economic access in the community, and is instrumental in creating and stabilizing a strong middle class,” said New York Assemblymember Anna Kelles. “I’m honored to be championing a proposal in the state budget negotiations that adds Cortland to the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority and channels Standard Transit Operating Aid to Cortland, bringing lower bus fares and a wider service area, and will continue working to get these proposals over the finish line. I’m proud that the Assembly additionally supported increased capital funding for upstate transportation and will work with Cortland County and CENTRO to access this funding in the coming year.”

Centro will also look to help residents with disabilities with the Call-A-Bus service for qualifying people. The network provides over 200,000 such rides per year in its other service areas.

“Cortland County, for years, has been looking for ways to enhance our public transportation system and promote public transit throughout the county,” said Cortland County Legislative Chair Kevin Fitch, who spoke about Centro’s debut yesterday on Ithaca’s Morning News. “The transition to Centro is a pivotal step in reshaping the transportation in our county. By joining the Regional Authority, Centro, now operating in five counties, has the expertise needed to take Cortland County’s public transportation system to new heights.”

Questions? Visit the Centro website or call Cortland Centro Customer Service at (607)-605-5555.