As you may have heard, Centro is bringing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to Syracuse. It will be the foundation of a reshaped Centro route system and will be the most significant financial investment in public transportation Central New York has seen in decades.
This $35 million transformative capital project would not be possible however without the support of our leaders in Washington led by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY). Over the past two years, Centro has received nearly $19 million dollars above its normal allocation of capital funds. Additionally, we were awarded $3 million in the recently passed 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that will be used towards our BRT project to purchase buses and create bus stations along the BRT corridors.
Our vision is to create BRT along the routes recommended by the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council's SMART1 study. The targeted James Street to OCC via South Avenue and Syracuse University to the RTC corridors have significant ridership and growth potential.
BRT is different from our traditional transit bus service. BRT buses will look different; run more frequently; make fewer stops; and will utilize new and enhanced bus stations. A robust BRT system will help people get to jobs, reduce poverty in our community, and reduce our reliance on automobiles.
Our process will begin with community outreach this winter and will evolve in the coming year. This type of investment in our community infrastructure will certainly make a difference in people’s lives. We are truly thankful for the ongoing support of our elected officials which ensures positive changes like BRT will continue in our community.
(Brian Schultz, CEO)