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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

 
Here are some tips and reminders to make riding the bus an enjoyable experience for everyone.

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.

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.

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.

Traveling with a Stroller

Traveling with Carts & Groceries

Traveling with Bags & Groceries

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.

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. 

Note: To comply with safety and regulatory guidelines, e-bikes and e-scooters are NOT permitted on Centro buses. ONLY devices recognized as valid mobility devices under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be permitted on Centro buses. E-bikes may be placed on the bike racks on the front of the buses as long as they fit securely into the bike rack without the use of supplemental fasteners such as a bungee cord

Inform your Bus Operator immediately so safety precautions can be initiated.

• 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

You can purchase 3 types of passes:

• Day Pass: This pass is good for 24 hours and is priced at $4.00 for Full Fare and $2.00 for those who qualify for Half Fare.
• MAX Pass: This pass is good for seven consecutive days, and unlimited ride usage. The cost is $12.00 for Full Fare and $6.00 for those who qualify for Half Fare.
• 10-Ride Pass: Pricing is $10.00 for Full Fare, and $5.00 for those who qualify for Half Fare.

“Say it before you pay it!” Notify the driver which pass you would like to purchase; the driver will then select the pass on the farebox. Once the driver has selected your pass option, you can then insert your form of payment. If you don’t pay with the exact amount due, you will receive a change card for the remaining balance.

Currently, Centro fareboxes only accept cash or change cards as forms of payment.

You receive unlimited rides with Centro’s MAX Pass. The more you ride the better the value.
The MAX Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days. If you are riding more than 3 times a week, Centro recommends that customers purchase a MAX Pass, which offers unlimited rides for $12.00 (full fare) or $6.00 (half fare) for an entire week.

Yes, passes may be purchased at area TOPS Friendly Markets and the Centro Transit Hubs in Utica and Syracuse (visit CURRENT FARES for details). Passes may also be purchased through the pass vending machines located inside the Syracuse and Utica Transit Hubs, or from the customer service representative during regular business hours.

Passes may be purchased from pass vending machines located at the Syracuse and Utica Transit Hubs, from customer service representatives during regular business hours, from the Centro Online Store, over the phone at (315) 442-3400, or from participating pass vendor outlet locations listed at https://www.centro.org/fares-passes.

Customers may purchase 10-Ride Passes (Local & Commuter), MAX Passes (Local & Commuter), and Call-A-Bus Passes from the vending machines located in the lobbies of the Syracuse and Utica Transit Hubs.

If you lose your pass or it stops working, please contact our Revenue Collections department at (315) 442-3342.

The Call-A-Bus 10-Ride pass for Utica and Rome has been eliminated. If you currently have one, we will still honor it. All rides moving forward will require cash or an individual Call-A-Bus ride pass.

Yes, Centro still issues change cards from the farebox, which do not expire.

Extension fares have been eliminated unless you are traveling between Oswego and Syracuse or between Auburn and Syracuse. The fare for those trips will be $3.00 for Full Fare and $1.50 for those who qualify for Half 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.

Yes. Centro buses accept Sacagawea dollar coins – as well as the presidential dollar coins, Susan B. Anthony dollars, and Kennedy ½ dollar coins.

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.

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

Centro Ride Passes are available at Centro’s Online Store, Main Offices, Transit Hubs, Pass Vending Machines, and at participating  Pass Vendor Locations.

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 you experience any problems using you Centro Ride Pass, please call 315-442-3342 to speak with a Revenue Collections Representative.