ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The SUNY Brockport President said the university is exploring options as the end of RTS On Demand service approaches.
Dawn Meza Soufleris said the Brockport community has faced reduced RTS service for about five years, impacting students, employees and others who rely on public transportation to reach jobs, internships and essential destinations.
READ MORE: RTS On Demand users, SUNY Brockport president react to decision to end services
“We’ve had on demand past four years – less and less and then told no service – it really is devastating,” Soufleris said.
She said the cuts create a financial challenge for students, especially those who need transportation for internships and off-campus jobs.
“We have nursing students who do clinicals and they do them in Rochester General. And at Strong…Some of our students were using Uber, and we’ve heard stories now of students paying $125 a week for Ubers to get in and out of the city area for these internships and clinicals and jobs. They can’t afford to do that, and that’s devastating,” Soufleris said.
Running its own bus service would be costly for the university, which already operates a campus shuttle.
“We keep tuition low in the SUNY system. We try to be as financially efficient as we can possibly be to keep the cost low for our students. To create a whole transportation system to get our students to and from Rochester is not going to be financially feasible,” Soufleris said.
How the loss could impact the university
Soufleris said the loss of service could affect enrollment, particularly for commuter students.
“For commuter students in particular, who have to travel to and from a campus if they don’t have access to public transportation and can’t afford to have a car, I think this is going to impact opportunities for some students to be able to come to SUNY Brockport and that’s really unfortunate,” Soufleris said.
In a statement to News10NBC, RTS said that it shares the goal of a “well-funded, robust public transit system that makes it easy for all who need it to get where they need to go.”
The agency said it is having conversations with Soufleris and SUNY Brockport to find a solution that “aligns with their financial reality” and meets the college’s transportation needs.
RTS On Demand service zones in Brockport, Irondequoit, Pittsford and Webster will end Jan. 22. Greece, Henrietta and Lexington Avenue zones will lose service in April.
Full statement from RTS
“RTS wants the same thing that President Soufleris and all our customers want – a well-funded, robust public transit system that makes it easy for all who need it to get where they need to go. We are having conversations with President Soufleris and her team at SUNY Brockport, and we are actively working to see if we can find a solution that aligns with our financial reality and helps meet the college’s transportation needs.”
Statement from RTS president
In an earlier statement, RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez said the service has a responsibility to use taxpayer dollars efficiently:
“The entire RTS team recognizes that this service restructuring will have an impact on our customers, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. However, as stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have an obligation to ensure that we deliver service in the most reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable manner possible. Even though this was a very difficult decision to make, it is necessary to help us ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our community’s public transit system. Additionally, we are in discussions with the president of SUNY Brockport and are actively working to see if we can find a solution that aligns with our financial reality and helps meet the college’s transportation needs.”
Statement from Brockport president
“We were deeply troubled to learn that RTS is planning to eliminate service to SUNY Brockport. Reliable public transportation is a lifeline for many of our students, enabling them to access education, maintain employment, complete internships, and meet their basic needs. The lack of adequate public transportation to and from our campus has been a longstanding challenge, and this decision will significantly worsen an already difficult situation.”
“The repercussions will have a community-wide impact. As Rochester’s SUNY, Brockport plays a critical role in developing the region’s workforce and strengthening the local economy. Our students contribute every day as employees, interns, volunteers, and future professionals. Public transportation also allows our students to experience Greater Rochester’s arts, culture, neighborhoods, and opportunities. Eliminating public transportation to SUNY Brockport threatens those connections, particularly for students who cannot afford a vehicle or recurring private rides. It also risks deepening the region’s “brain drain” by making it harder for students to see Rochester as a place to build their careers and call home.”
“We are committed to working with RTS, local and state leaders, employers, and community partners to identify sustainable transportation solutions. We are encouraged that RTS is willing to engage in these discussions and work with us as we seek a solution to our community’s public transportation needs.”
Talks between the university and RTS are scheduled for Monday.
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