(Binghamton, NY) Due to the downturn in the economy, uncertain Federal funding, decreased State funding as well as rising fuel, supply, and labor costs, Broome County is looking at ways to reduce costs. Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala’s administration has worked closely with Broome County’s Department of Transportation to cut costs with the least amount of negative impact to those who use the County’s fixed route bus system.

 

“We feel that we have accomplished that by reducing the frequency of service and minor eliminations of one weekday route and two weekend routes, with very little reduction in the service area,” said George Bagnetto, BC Transit Commissioner. “Buses may be a little more crowded and some riders will have to adjust their schedules, however, they will still be able to get to all of the places that they are able to access currently.”

 

It is hoped that the service changes will be temporary and that at some point Broome County will be able to restore this service. Until such time, the proposed changes will result in a cost savings of approximately $130,000.00 for the remainder of 2010 and nearly $260,000.00 in projected savings for 2011.

 

Service Changes Start: June 28, 2010

 

Monday -Friday

 

•         Eliminate The Shoppers Special

•         Hourly Service from 9:15am on the # 7 Clinton St & # 40 Chenango St.(right now it is half-hour service)

•         Hourly Service on the # 3Park Ave All Day(right now it is half-hour service)

 

Weekend Service Changes

 

•         Eliminate the # 48  (Runs a parallel  #35 Endicott from BC Junction to the Oakdale Mall & Return)

•         Eliminate the Shoppers Special

•         The #8 Front St interlined with the #40 Chenango St.(results in no service to River Road weekend only )

 

A public hearing was held Wednesday on the proposed changes. Another public hearing will be held Thursday, May 20^th at 5pm at the Broome County Library(Exhibit Room-2^nd floor).