When in Rome; Take the Public Transit

Mass transitPhoto byAkshay ChauhanonUnsplash

Rome, NY is getting the biggest upgrade to it's community transit systems in decades. The investment comes from the Governor Kathy Hochul's Innovative Mobility Initiative, which was announced in the 2023 State of the State Address.

There are three fixed routes that increase in frequency from every 45 minutes, to every 30 minutes. The route serves Griffiss Airpark, Rome Health Hospital and the Erie Boulevard corridor.

There will also be what is called MOVE service, which allows rides to be scheduled by calling a local phone number. The entire project falls under the name Centro.

The $1 million dollar grant from the state allowed analysis of and response to a variety of sectors, including riders, drivers, and others with a stake in the movement of people around the city.

Other cities have variations of mass transit, such as the free hop on - hop off busses in Raleigh, North Carolina which have done much to invigorate their downtowns.