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 82 midday service to Baldwinsville, 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 in 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.”
Baldwinsville Mayor Dick Clarke didn’t have exact numbers for how many people use Centro’s services in the village, but he said the village had been in talks with Kobliski about increasing services for senior citizens.
“It’s going to have an impact on some people,” Clarke said of the possible route reduction. “This is no different than food stamps — no bus service means that people are going to lose their jobs.”
Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci has vowed to work with Centro “to provide audit services and financial review,” according to a release from the county.
“Centro is a valuable service to the citizens of our community who depend on public transportation to get to work, retail centers and medical appointments. It’s important they operate most effectively and be properly funded in order to continue to provide needed services to our community,” Antonacci said. “Our goal is to meet with Centro’s management staff and review Centro’s financial operations in an effort to understand their financial situation and offer long-term solutions.”
Clarke said he understood the financial challenges Centro faces and he stands behind the company.
“I am fully planning to support Centro,” he said. “They are working to help us come up with more transportation for seniors.”
Syracuse-area residents who are interested in learning more or sharing their opinions of Centro’s situation with local lawmakers will have the opportunity to do so March 11. Centro is holding an information session from 2 to 4 p.m. and a public hearing from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Oncenter, which is located at 800 S. State St., Syracuse.
Other public hearings will be held in Rome, Oswego, Auburn, Utica and Fulton in the coming weeks. For more information, visit centro.org/PublicHearing.aspx.
Centro services several areas in Central New York, including Syracuse/Onondaga County, Utica, Rome, Oswego/Fulton and Auburn.
