The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) has announced that the company is considering service changes and a restructuring of fare media in their service areas due to a projected $5 million deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.
The suggested changes include elimination of the 462 midday service to Manlius, reduction of service hours on weeknights and Saturdays from the Syracuse Hub, elimination of service on Sundays and holidays and restructuring the multi-ride fare media pass program.
These changes would be implemented in April.
“The shortfall is the result of years of major revenue streams not keeping pace with increased costs. Three principal revenue streams, namely the Mortgage Recording Tax, New York State operating assistance and member county contributions, have increased on average only .5 of 1 percent in the past seven years collectively. These revenue streams, which are outside the control of the authority, account for 60 to 65 percent of the authority’s operating revenue,” the company stated a press release.
Centro transit cash fare and Call-A-Bus fares will not be affected, according to the statement.
“We have aggressively limited our operating expense increases to approximately 2 percent during each of the past seven years. Unfortunately, our most significant revenue streams have not kept pace,” said Centro Executive Director Frank Kobliski. “We will hit a wall in April and without additional financial support, we will have to make significant changes to our service.”
A representative from Centro said they were not able to provide data regarding the usage of the 462 midday service to Manlius and that all of the information the company will distribute about this matter is contained in the press release.
Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall said he has not received any complaints about the possibility of the midday service being eliminated.
“I don’t know how many village residents use the midday route,” Whorrall said. “I know it would have an effect if they cut out the morning or evening one, but residents don’t seem too concerned over the proposed change.”
Centro services several areas in Central New York, including Syracuse/Onondaga County, Utica, Rome, Oswego/Fulton and Auburn.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
