Suffolk Transit considering proposals to swap several fixed-route buses with on-demand service
Public hearings will take place at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday.
More Stories
Suffolk County Transit is considering plans to swap out several fixed-route buses in favor of an on-demand zone system.
The proposals are heading to public hearings Wednesday.
On-demand is currently used only on the South Fork and allows people to book rides straight from their phones.
You enter a pick-up and drop-off address within the boundaries and a bus arrives to take you to your destination. Vehicles can stop at almost any nearby corner.
Suffolk County Transit says riders are usually picked up within 15 to 25 minutes after booking.
This option is different than a standard system where buses run on set frequencies, usually every 30 to 60 minutes, along set routes and stops.
Both the fixed-route and on-demand options cost the same to ride, according to county transit officials.
The proposed changes include replacing Route 56 with a new Kings Park/Smithtown On-Demand Zone, replacing Route 77 and 77Y with a new South Country On-Demand Zone and establishing a new Ronkonkoma On-Demand Zone.
Two non-zone-related proposals are extending the uffolk Clipper express bus from Riverhead to Hicksville and relocating the Patchogue Timed Transfer Point on Division Street to Sephton Street/Unity Place.
Suffolk County Transit said the proposed changes are part of regular planning to enhance the service it provides.
Public hearings will take place today between 11 a.m - 1 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.
The proposed changes are planned to begin this fall if approved.
