Have you ever been without a ride and needed to get somewhere in the county? Maybe it was to a doctor’s appointment or just to the store. Many residents are not familiar with the Orleans Transit System and how to use it, said new manager George Todd.
Todd, who began working with the Regional Transit Service in Rochester in 2000, transferred to OTS in May. The Orleans County native — who has lived off and on in the county his entire life — said he hopes to inform the public of the transit system does.
“It’s our goal to present the best service possible,” Todd said. “We want to make residents aware of what we do. We should be able to meet most people’s needs for transportation.”
Each day, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., OTS has two services for the public. First is the dollar ride, where people can request a ride 24 hours in advance to anywhere they need to go in the county for $1.
Todd said that this service is good for people with limited mobility because the bus will pick them up at the curb 3/4 of a mile from a regular stop and drop them off 3/4 of a mile from a stop. He also said that all buses are handicap accessible.
The other is a loop service that follows an hourly route between Albion and Medina. Todd said the buses stop at scheduled locations around Medina and Albion.
“I would like to see more ridership,” said OTS worker Melissa Pulcino. “We’ve been here six years, and I think there is a lot of corners in the county that don’t know what we do. I think there is more that we can do. I’d like to take on more business of the community. It’s what we’re here for.”
In economic hard times, Todd said, the price to take the bus is “pretty reasonable.” If staying within the Village of Medina or Albion, it costs $1 each way; it costs $2 if traveling between Albion and Medina.
“You can save money, save the wear and tear on your car,” Todd said. “Buses are air conditioned and comfortable. They don’t pick you up right at your house, but most stops are close.”
While college is in session at SUNY Brockport, OTS also provides the transportation for the school. Todd said a shuttle is available from Medina to Brockport starting again this fall.
To schedule a bus ride 24 hours in advance, call 589-0707. Todd said he is willing to speak to any groups or organizations that would like more information on OTS.
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
