On the Move: User flexibility takes center stage with Rome's public transit upgrades
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Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) ushered in its new on-demand Move service in Rome.
On Monday, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez announced the launch of the new system, in conjunction with three consolidated bus routes through the city’s inner district.
The system – as Dominguez calls it, “ride-sharing technology meets public transportation” – serviced over a dozen residents its first morning of operation.
The single largest upgrade to Rome's public transit system in two decades was funded by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Innovative Mobility Initiative (IMI), state officials said.
“These new mini-buses fundamentally broaden accessibility for city residents,” said Dominguez. “The innovative solution to start micro-transit will help today's riders and draw tomorrow's riders to our systems.”
MOVE Centro
The Move service features branded short buses and increased user-flexibility. Four ADA-compliant mini-buses, furnished with bike racks, were added to Rome’s fleet to enhance transit efficiency, said Christopher Tuff, deputy CEO of Centro.
Users can now schedule rides for Move by calling 315-356-MOVE, or by downloading Centro’s Move app from iOS or Android, establishing an account, and booking a time slot. With an expected 24 trips per day, buses will be available in 30-minute increments from 6am to 6pm.
The app works just like other ride-sharing services. Riders can pay ahead of time on the app and see their vehicle in real-time as it approaches the pick-up location.
According to Tuff, service enhancements maintain three fixed-routes that will increase frequency from 45 minutes to 30 minutes and continue to serve the most popular locations: including Griffiss, Rome Health Hospital and the Erie Boulevard corridor, which includes retail locations and Walmart.
“Consolidating routes means an increase in trips,” Tuff explained. “By revamping Rome’s bus routes we've increased the frequency of trips more than forty percent.”
'Created for and by the public'
Dominguez said the system was created by and for the public, through an outreach process conducted by Centro.
"Public input is crucial," Dominguez underscored. "We can’t design a transportation system in a vacuum. The people of Rome have spoken and this is the solution.”
Figuratively, Dominguez referred to the buses as a symbol of “accessibility and empowerment;” literally, she underscored that now everyone can “enjoy a good ride.”
Imagine you’re a busy mom looking for employment. What do you do?
“Now, you can use the Move app to catch a ride to the employment center at Griffiss park,” offered Dominguez. “You can catch a ride on-demand and on your own timing.”
The role of public transit, materialized
In Hochul's 2023 State of the State Address she announced that IMI would provide $10 million in funds to non-Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) transit authorities to support riders who face barriers to accessing traditional transit by funding the creation of new alternatives.
Centro’s redesigned service for Rome was supported by $1 million from the initiative.
“Public transit that is safe, accessible and affordable will help grow our economy, protect our environment and improve quality of life,” Hochul said, in a statement. “The improvements in Rome are part of our commitment to modernizing our transportation systems across New York to give riders more options and better service, which helps our local communities prosper.”
Dominguez agreed, reiterating that the goal of public transportation is to promote social inclusion and integration.
“It’s our responsibility to make sure transportation is accessible for everyone," Dominguez said. "As a NYSDOT commissioner there’s nothing more important to me than ensuring that all people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation networks.”
Rome Mayor Jeff Lanigan praised the new service, predicting its benefit to extend to Oneida County.
“Investing in public transit is crucial for the well-being and connectivity of our communities," he said. "This grant will enable Centro to expand its service offerings and ensure that all riders, including those facing barriers, have equitable access to reliable transportation.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome, New York, launches new on-demand Move public transit service
