March 2008

Henry Smith, Jr. Chairman of the Legislature

The organizational meeting of the Orleans County Legislature was held on January 3, 2008 and at that meeting I was elected Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.  Being elected Chairman was a truly exciting event for me.  My first sixty days as Chairman has allowed me the opportunity to set guidelines, establish committees to oversee county operations, establish a good understanding and working relationship with my peers, and other county officials,  appointed or elected.  Together, we seek to make Orleans County the county of choice to live, work, and raise our families.

I have asked our Legislators and selected staff to submit a monthly article to the Orleans County web site to better inform the public on how their committees impact county residents. This is the first of the series of articles.  The subject is the Orleans Transit Service (OTS).

  In October of 2003, the Orleans County Legislature partnered with Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) to create a public transportation system (bus service) for Orleans County.  The funding is derived from several sources.  According to State Law, 1/4 of 1 percent is added to the Mortgage Recording? Tax, the county contributes 30k through the budget and the balance of the funds comes from state and federal funds made available through the authority. 

OTS provides routes in Albion and Medina that circulate within the villages.  Additionally, routes have been established in many other areas of the county and will continue to be adjusted as the ridership grows and employment grows to different areas of the County.

A great deal has changed since Orleans Transit Service began operation in October 2003.  While OTS has always endeavored to provide safe and reliable public transportation, the addition of new routes both within Orleans County and outside to Brockport have allowed OTS to realize higher than anticipated public use.   

Skyrocketing gasoline prices certainly show no sign of slowing down.   Regardless, OTS remains a viable option for people looking to save on their transportation costs.  In conjunction with the service OTS provides to Brockport Student Government, residents in Orleans County have the ability to reach destinations such as the Village of Brockport and the Mall at Greece Ridge Center.  Service within Orleans County has expanded as well, with expanded hourly stops within the villages of Albion and Medina on weekdays.

The public has responded to this increased service, and as a result ridership has increased dramatically since 2003.  During 2007, OTS served more than 87,000 customers, or about 21% more than in 2006.  Undoubtedly, the public’s increased awareness regarding OTS is central to its growth. 

In the coming years, OTS will continue providing cost efficient service to the public.  Ridership is projected to continue to increase at a steady pace as more people learn about, and utilize OTS service.  One goal of public transportation is to facilitate the improvement of our people and community as a whole.  Due to the rising cost of fuel, OTS will be helping more Orleans County residents travel to their workplaces, medical appointments, school and shopping destinations.  The service provided by the Orleans Transit Service is an excellent addition to our community and will be an asset as we continue to grow, by helping to meet the transportation needs of the residents of Orleans County.  Now is the time to try OTS. Take a moment to see just how easy it is to go by bus, it may become contagious.