TRANSPORTATION STUDY TO PHASE IN CONSOLIDATED BUS SERVICE

Mike McCagg

ccSCOOP News

01-25-10 - 8:40 a.m. - A comprehensive study that could reshape the way transportation services are provided in the county is still at least three months from completion. The study, being conducted by a private consultant using data from a host of county agencies, is, according to Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Kenneth Flood, still in the arduous phase of data collection—discovering which agencies provide what services to whom and with what parameters. “This is a time consuming and difficult process,” said Flood. County officials had predicted that the study would be completed by the end of the year.

The study is collecting data from such agencies as the Office for the Aging, Mental Health, Social Services, Veterans’ Service Agency, and even the bus company currently providing service in the county, as well as other agencies that transport residents to various locations. The goal of the study, which is being funded through a federal grant, is to develop a plan that would consolidate all services into one.

“We ultimately hope to have one consolidated service,” said Flood. The result would be a cost savings and a reduction in the duplication of services. “In this day and age, we have to look for savings wherever possible,” he explained.

Flood added that the plan, once developed, will be implemented in stages, with similar services merging together at first and the process analyzed and adjusted before additional services are merged into the system.

The county currently contracts with Coxsackie Transport to provide bus service throughout the county during the week. The Veterans’ Service Agency van provides transportation for veterans to Albany for services and the Office for the Aging provides transportation for seniors to medical appointments. In addition, there are several more agencies providing transportation for different purposes.

The study is also looking at services provided in Greene County to address any potential for consolidation and to eliminate overlapping services.