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Ulster County is expanding its Area Transit (UCAT) services by introducing two new bus routes, effective Tuesday (December 9). The new routes aim to address community needs following feedback from residents and changes made in September due to the loss of the Kingston Plaza transfer point.
The New Paltz Loop will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., connecting key destinations such as Zer0 Place, Shoprite Plaza, Tops Plaza, and four stops at SUNY New Paltz. Meanwhile, the Port Ewen route will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the same hours, serving areas including Golden Hill, Birches Port Ewen, Garraghan Drive, the Broadway corridor, and Kingston Plaza, with connections to fixed routes.
These additions are part of a temporary solution until the Route Optimization Plan is implemented in 2026. Once in place, this plan will increase countywide bus service by 27%. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized that the new routes are in direct response to community concerns and will help residents access essential services like grocery shopping.
Riders can provide feedback through paper surveys available on buses or online via QR codes. For more information about the new routes and schedules, visit the UCAT website.