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Ridership on Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) buses in Kingston soared past 500,000 in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This surge follows the introduction of free rides in October 2022, which has steadily boosted ridership numbers each year. In 2024, UCAT provided over 104,000 more rides than in 2023, according to UCAT statistics.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger highlighted the importance of the public transit system, stating, "Not many rural counties have a public bus system like we do, and our residents are fortunate to have a way to get around at no cost, especially at a time when costs of necessities remain high." The increase in ridership reflects the community's reliance on and appreciation for the service.
In addition to the ridership increase, UCAT and the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) are working on a Route Optimization Plan to improve bus routes, schedules, and services. Public input has been vital in shaping the plan, with feedback gathered through surveys and public discussions. The plan aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation and supports the county's goal of fully electrifying its bus fleet by 2035.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing survey to provide feedback on potential service improvements. The survey is available online, and the feedback will help refine the final service improvements to be adopted by UCAT.