Frequently Asked Questions
What are your Call Center hours?
Centro’s Call Center is open weekdays from 6:30am to 5:30pm. The Call Center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
Does Centro operate on holidays?
On New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, Centro in Syracuse and Onondaga County operates on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Regular route service is provided on all other holidays.
It is important to note that Centro service in Oneida, Oswego and Cayuga counties does not operate on the above listed holidays, including intercity routes to Syracuse. Please call your local Centro office for more information.
Can I contact Centro via email?
Centro welcomes your questions and comments and is committed to making your public transportation experience a positive one. Please contact us using our
online form.
Where do Centro buses operate?
Centro is the public transportation provider for Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Oneida counties, which includes the cities of Syracuse, Oswego, Fulton, Auburn, Rome and Utica. Inter-city service connects Syracuse and Onondaga County with the cities of Oswego, Fulton and Auburn. Centro does not operate between the cities of Syracuse, Utica and Rome.
Are Centro buses accessible for persons with disabilities?
All Centro buses are equipped to accommodate devices that are classified as a “common wheelchair” according to regulations set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Centro buses are equipped with mobility lifts or ramps to assist customers in boarding the vehicle.
How do I access Centro’s transit tools?
Centro's real-time bus tracking tools use GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of your bus and when it will arrive at your stop. Real-time bus tracking is a feature of Centro's suite of Transit Tools, which were designed to make riding the bus easier and more accessible for everyone.
Is Centro on social media?
Yes. You can follow @GoCentroBus on Twitter or Instagram, like us on Facebook, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Where are Centro’s Park-N-Ride stops located?
For people who don't live directly on a bus route, Centro operates a network of Park-N-Ride locations across Central New York. Customers may park their vehicles for FREE at any Park-N-Ride location and catch the Centro bus!
Where can I get bus schedules or a system map?
Bus schedules are available on Centro buses, at Centro’s Syracuse and Utica Transit Hubs, and at numerous outlets throughout Centro’s 4-county service area. Schedules can also be viewed or downloaded from Centro’s website. To request schedules by mail contact Centro’s Call Center at 315-442-3400.
How do I read a Centro schedule?
To use the schedule, find a timepoint on the map that is near where you want to catch the bus. Then find the letter above the timetable on the inside that corresponds to that time point. Underneath each letter, approximate times the bus will be at that location are shown. Be sure to read the schedule left to right, as that is the direction the bus is traveling.
How do I find my Bus Stop ID#?
When using the "Track-By-Text," "Trip Planner." or "Bus Tracker" applications, it is useful to know your Bus Stop ID#. At this time, Centro bus stops are catalogued online but are not physically numbered. To find your Bus Stop ID#, CLICK HERE
Are audio devices allowed on Centro buses?
Yes - audio devices are permitted on Centro devices; however, devices must be used at a level that does not disturb the driver or other passengers. Customers wishing to listen to loud music or audio must do so using earphones.
Where can I find out about an item I lost on a bus?
To inquire about a lost item, please call (315) 442-3400 or email us at cnyrta@centro.org. If we have your item, it may be claimed at Centro’s office weekdays between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
For details regarding Centro's Lost & Found policies click here.
How do I let the Bus Operator know that I want to take the bus?
Centro bus stop signs are posted conveniently throughout our service area. Bus Operators will only stop for you if you are at a marked Centro bus stop. When the bus approaches, check the destination sign located above the windshield and at the top left of the entry door. This sign will tell you the route number and destination of the bus. Once you have determined this is the bus you want, motion so the Bus Operator will be sure to see you.
What should I do once I board the bus?
Board the bus through the front door and have your cash fare or Centro Ride Pass ready. Operators do not carry cash or make change. All buses are equipped with ramps and/or lifts and have kneeling devices to make boarding easier for our special needs passengers; please tell the Bus Operator if you need to use these special features. The seats located closest to the front of the bus are reserved for seniors and disabled persons. Strollers and carts should be folded and stowed out of the aisle. All passengers are required to wear clothing and shoes.
Here are some tips and reminders to make riding the bus an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Will the bus make stops that are not listed on the schedules?
Centro bus schedules cannot list all of our stops on a particular route. Centro buses will stop at all locations along a particular route where blue Centro bus stop signs are posted, unless otherwise stated on a schedule.
Please note that Centro’s Auburn-Syracuse and Oswego - Syracuse intercity bus lines are what we call “flag-stop” routes. While there are some blue Centro bus stop signs along these routes, the driver will pick-up passengers who stand at a safe location along the route and signal to the driver they wish to be picked up.
How do I transfer between buses?
Upon boarding the first bus, insert your fare into the farebox. If your trip requires you to exit the first bus and board a second bus in order to complete your one-way trip, you will be required to insert payment into the farebox on the second bus. If you are riding on a bus that continues on as a new route once arriving at the Hub, you will not be required to re-board and pay a second fare.
Note: Transfers have been eliminated; however, pass prices have been reduced to minimize the financial impact to our customers. The MAX Pass and Day Pass are cost-effective options for customers who ride the bus multiple times a day or week.
How much is bus fare?
Fares vary depending on location. Click here for fare options across Centro’s four-county service area. Be sure to select the applicable location from the provided list.
Do the fareboxes accept dollar coins?
Yes. Centro buses accept Sacagawea dollar coins – as well as the presidential dollar coins, Susan B. Anthony dollars, and Kennedy ½ dollar coins.
Does Centro offer riders a reduced fare option?
Centro offers reduced rate bus fare to persons with disabilities, seniors, and children ages 6-9. To ride for reduced fare, customers must show a combination of a Medicare Card and Photo I.D. or present a Centro Reduced Fare I.D. Card at boarding.
How can I get a Reduced Fare ID Card?
Reduced Fare I.D. Cards (replace the need to show a Medicare Card and Photo I.D.) may be purchased from your local Centro offices. Click here for more information or to download a Reduced Fare Application.
Where can I purchase Centro Ride Passes?
Centro Ride Passes are available at Centro’s Online Store, Main Offices, Transit Hubs, Pass Vending Machines, and at participating Pass Vendor Locations.
Can I share my Ride Pass?
Customers using Centro’s Unlimited Ride Passes must maintain possession of their Pass for the duration of their ride. Passes cannot be shared or used to pay the fare of additional customers at the same time.
If I have an issue with my Pass, who do I call?
If you experience any problems using you Centro Ride Pass, please call 315-442-3342 to speak with a Revenue Collections Representative.
How do I get on the bus with a stroller or grocery cart?
Customers may board or alight Centro buses with a stroller or collapsible cart as follows:
- Children may be removed from strollers prior to boarding OR
- Children may remain in strollers ONLY if the ramp/lift is used while boarding the bus
Centro does NOT allow customers to lift strollers (with a child in the stroller) or carts containing items onto or off of its buses.
Once on board the bus, children MUST be removed from their strollers and held in the laps of the customers responsible for those children.
All strollers and/or carts MUST:
- be folded up and stowed under or between seats.
- not block the aisle or doorways.
- be under the control of the owner at all times.
Can anyone use the Call-A-Bus service?
Centro’s Call-A-Bus paratransit program provides coordinated ride-sharing transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to ride Centro transit buses due to their disability. Learn more about eligibility or apply for service.
Can I bring my pet on the bus?
Service animals and guide dogs are allowed on the bus at all times. Centro bus operators are authorized to ask customers if the boarding animal is a pet. If the passenger responds that it is not a pet and indicates that it is a service animal, the passenger will be allowed to board with their animal without further question or delay.
For safety and convenience, small domestic animals are allowed on Centro vehicles, provided they are contained in an enclosed animal carrier. However, if the pet is disruptive and acts aggressive then the bus operator can ask the passenger to exit the bus with their pet.
Can I bring a bike on the bus?
Bikes are not allowed inside Centro buses. All full-sized Centro buses operating in Onondaga, Cayuga and Oswego counties can accommodate bicycles. Most buses are equipped with bicycle racks on the front of the bus that can hold up to two (2) bicycles simultaneously. Other buses have storage compartments beneath the seating area. It is important to note that drivers cannot assist in the usage of the bicycle racks located on the front of the buses. Bike racks on Centro buses will accommodate bicycles with tires up to 2 and 1/4" wide by 27" high.
How do I find out about employment opportunities at Centro?
For information about available employment opportunities visit our website and apply online.
What should I do if I see a suspicious person or package?
Inform your Bus Operator immediately so safety precautions can be initiated.
Does Centro offer travel training?
Yes. Centro’s Travel Training program provides outreach services to citizens, community-based organizations, and agencies that depend on Centro’s public transit system by providing face-to face contact within the community and assisting individuals with a desire to learn more about Centro’s services.
Where can I get information about Centro’s State Fair service?
Centro provides direct service to The Great New York State Fair from its State Fair Park-N-Ride locations in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties. To expedite the boarding process, be sure to buy your round-trip tickets before boarding the shuttle. Fares and times vary depending on location, and all valid Centro Ride Passes and Transfers will be honored. For more information, please contact Centro's Call Center at (315) 442-3400.
Who do I contact about doing business with Centro?
Current and prospective suppliers who would like the opportunity to provide materials and services to Centro are encouraged to register with our Purchasing Department. This will ensure that you are made aware of applicable solicitation and procurement opportunities.
How do I get information about advertising on Centro buses and shelters?
Businesses and organizations interested in advertising their products and/or services on Centro buses and shelters can learn more in our Transit Media Guide (PDF) or by contacting our Market Manager: Nicole Wafer at (315) 278-0748 or nwafer@lamar.com.
Are there items that are not allowed on the bus?
For everyone’s convenience and safety, we ask that the following items not be brought on the bus:
- Open containers of food or drink
- Weapons of any kind
- Pets – unless they are caged
Note: Smoking or vaping is prohibited on Centro buses or facilities owned or operated by Centro or its subsidiaries.
Still need help or have a question?
Find all the transportation help and information you need by contacting Centro’s Call Center at 315-442-3400 during our Hours of Operation. Customer Service Representatives are on-hand to help you plan your trip and answer questions about riding the bus. At your request, they can provide you with schedules and brochures about various Centro services and programs.