Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
Encyclopedia
The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, known as Centro, is the operator of mass transit
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...

 in Onondaga
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....

, Oswego
Oswego County, New York
Oswego County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 Census, the estimated population was 122,109. The City of Oswego and the Village of Pulaski serve as the dual county seats in a two shire system of government...

, Cayuga
Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It was named for one of the tribes of Indians in the Iroquois Confederation. Its county seat is Auburn.- History :...

, and Oneida
Oneida County, New York
Oneida County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 234,878. The county seat is Utica. The name is in honor of the Oneida, an Iroquoian tribe that formerly occupied the region....

 counties in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...

 state. The CNYRTA was formed on August 1, 1970, along with similar agencies in Rochester
Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority is a public benefit organization which provides transportation services in the area in and around Rochester, New York. RGRTA was formed on August 1, 1970 by a state act of government which also formed three similar agencies in Syracuse,...

, Albany
Capital District Transportation Authority
The Capital District Transportation Authority is a public benefit organization that provides transportation in the Capital District of New York State...

, and Buffalo
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is a public authority responsible for the public transportation oversight of Erie and Niagara counties in the State of New York...

. CENTRO won the American Public Transportation Association
American Public Transportation Association
The American Public Transportation Association is a non-profit organization which serves as an advocate for the advancement of public transportation programs and initiatives in the United States. Since its founding in 1882, APTA has educated the public about the benefits of public transportation...

's 2006 "Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award" for bus companies serving 4 million to 30 million riders a year.

Overview

Centro operates four separate systems concentrated in the urban areas of the counties served. Each operates based on a hub-and-spoke route system with downtown transfer centers, although efforts have been made in recent years in the Syracuse area to provide direct services between outlying points without requiring passengers to change buses downtown.

Initially, Centro operations consisted of the local bus services in each city and private coach lines continued to provide intercity connecting service between the various counties. Although the private firms later received public subsidies, the economics of providing those services gradually declined and most of these routes were taken over by the CNYRTA as noted below.

CNY Centro (Syracuse area)

The main service area is the city of Syracuse and suburban Onondaga
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....

 County. Centro took over the assets and operations of the Syracuse Transit Corporation on January 17, 1972 and those of the suburban Syracuse & Eastern Transit Corp. in 1974. Most routes begin in Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse is the economic center of Syracuse, New York, and Central New York, employing over 30,000 people, and housing over 2,000. It is also one of the 26 officially recognized neighborhoods of Syracuse.- History :...

, spread out through the city, and connect with the rest of Onondaga
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....

 County. CNY Centro also operates Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...

 shuttle routes and Syracuse City School District
Syracuse City School District
The Syracuse City School District is a public school district based in Syracuse, New York .-High schools:*Corcoran High School*Fowler High School*Henninger High School*Institute of Central Technology *Nottingham High School...

 routes for high school students. Since 1989 all Centro routes in the Syracuse area are accessible to wheelchair patrons.

Centro of Oswego

Routes are based in the City of Oswego, New York. Service began on August 28, 1972. Routes extend east and west through the city. The neighboring communities of Fulton and Mexico are also provided with fixed route service. Centro assumed operation of Oswego-Fulton-Syracuse intercity bus service from S&O Coach on June 21, 1993. Centro also provides zero-fare bus service on the SUNY Oswego campus.

Centro of Cayuga

Routes are based in the City of Auburn, New York. Service began on April 2, 1973. Since 2004 all local bus routes are interconnected, offering one-seat rides throughout the city. Centro of Cayuga provides service connecting Auburn and outlying rural communities with Downtown Syracuse. Centro assumed operation of Auburn-Syracuse intercity bus service from Onondaga Coach on August 30, 1993.

Centro of Oneida

Centro of Oneida began operation on April 1, 2005 with the acquisition of the financially troubled Utica Transit Authority based in Utica, New York
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....

. The UTA was a local agency only and did not have the same ability to raise revenues as a public benefit corporation such as the CNYRTA. Merging the local county bus operations into the Centro system brought greater financial stability. On October 1, 2005 Centro of Oneida assumed the operations of the VIP Transportation bus system in Rome, New York
Rome, New York
Rome is a city in Oneida County, New York, United States. It is located in north-central or "upstate" New York. The population was 44,797 at the 2010 census. It is in New York's 24th congressional district. In 1758, British forces began construction of Fort Stanwix at this strategic location, but...

. This merger of services has allowed for improved transit for citizens of Oneida County
Oneida County, New York
Oneida County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 234,878. The county seat is Utica. The name is in honor of the Oneida, an Iroquoian tribe that formerly occupied the region....

. All of the former UTA and VIP buses were reconditioned with digital destination signs, upgraded air conditioning systems and new fare collection equipment. All buses are wheelchair accessible.

However, Oneida County routes do not connect directly to those in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties. Service between Utica, Rome and Syracuse was operated by Central New York Coach Lines until 1993 and these rights are now owned by Birnie Bus Service.

Onondaga County Routes

Route Number Route Name Variations
10 South Salina - Nedrow 110, 210, 310, 410, 410X
510 Tully - Lafayette Express
16 North Salina - 7th North 116, 216
20 James - Lamson 120
21 James - Sunnycrest 121
22 James - Carrier - New Venture Gear 122
23 James - East Syracuse- Shoppingtown 123, 223
323X East Syracuse - Minoa Express
26 South Ave. 126, 226, 226X, 326
28 South Salina - Valley 128
30 SU - Westcott 130, 230, 330, 530
36 West Genesee - Camillus 136
40 SU - Nob Hill 140, 240
340 SU - Drumlins
443 Connective Corridor Shuttle 543, 643
46 Liverpool - Route 57
48 Liverpool - Morgan 148, 248
50 Carousel Center 550
52 Court - Park
152 Court - Industrial Park
54 Midland - Valley 154, 254
58 Parkhill 158
62 Fayetteville - Manlius 162, 262, 262X, 362, 362X, 462
64 West Onondaga 164
66 Grand 166
68 East Fayette - Erie 168
72 Townsend - East Colvin 172
74 Solvay - Milton
274 Solvay - Avery 374
76 East Genesee - Salt Springs 176, 276
80 Grant 180
82 Baldwinsville 182
84 Mattydale 184
86 Henry Clay 186, 286
88 North Syracuse - Cicero 188, 288
388 Central Square

Cayuga County Routes

Route Number Route Name Variations
1 West Genesee
2 Franklin
3 North St
4 State
5 Lake - Owasco
7 Auburn - Welch Allyn - Tessy Plastics
8 Auburn - Moravia - CCF
236 Auburn - Syracuse 38, 138

Oswego County Routes

Route Number Route Name Variations
1A Price Chopper Plaza via 104
1B Price Chopper Plaza via Hamilton Homes
1C Price Chopper Plaza via Seneca
1D Price Chopper Plaza -Brandonwood Homes Ext.
2A College via 104
2B College via Seneca
2C College via Sunrise Terrace - West Utica St
2D College via Ellen
246 Oswego - Syracuse 246X
Fulton Local Bus
Oswego - Mexico - Fulton

Oneida County Routes - Utica

Route Number Route Name Variations
11 Whitesboro
111 New York Mills
12 Bleecker
14 Mohawk 114
15 James
20 Lenox
22 South St
24 Genesee - Sangertown
28 Herkimer Rd
29 Riverside 129
30 Clinton
31 Oneida St 131

Oneida County Routes - Rome

Route Number Route Name Variations
2 Walmart
4 James-Rome Hospital-Williams
5 Rome Hospital-Griffiss-Mohawk Acres
6 MVCC-Griffiss-Freedom Plaza
7 Griffiss-Freedom Plaza
9 Mohawk Acres-Griffiss-Rome Hospital

Source: Last accessed: September 20, 2009

Syracuse Common Center relocation

The 'Common Center' has traditionally been the main transfer point for Syracuse routes, dating back to the streetcar era. The location is in the heart of Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse is the economic center of Syracuse, New York, and Central New York, employing over 30,000 people, and housing over 2,000. It is also one of the 26 officially recognized neighborhoods of Syracuse.- History :...

, at the intersection of Salina and Fayette Streets. Buses utilize all four corners to "line up". There are many downsides to the current setup, the biggest being the lack of protection from the weather. The few benches, canopies and bus shelters offer minimal protection from the elements, a less than ideal situation given the area's frigid winter temperatures. Also, passengers are often forced to cross one of the busiest intersections in Downtown twice to transfer between buses. The congestion caused by having up to twenty, full-sized city buses at the corner at any given time has been blamed for the lack of development in the 300 block of South Salina St.

For the past twelve years Centro has planned to move the Common Center to an off-street location. After various locations were reviewed and ultimately rejected, a site at the intersection of Adams and Salina Streets was chosen in 2006. This site currently hosts a Red Cross blood center. Through eminent domain Centro plans to tear down the standing building and build a new, indoor facility. The facility will offer a bus bay for every route, covered outdoor waiting, and indoor waiting. The facility will provide public restroom facilities, an information center, and possibly a food vendor, such as Dunkin Donuts. This move will benefit the riders of Centro and be the first step in the redevelopment of the 300 block of South Salina.

Plans were approved by the Federal Transit Administration
Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Transit Administration is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. The FTA is one of ten modal administrations within the DOT...

 in November 2008. The design team includes Centro, QPK Design, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Robson Woese Inc., and Fisher Associates. Construction is set to begin in Fall 2010 with completion scheduled for Fall 2011.

Fare Collection

Centro allows riders to board buses with cash, coins or transit cards. Fares vary by county.

As of May 2, 2011, the basic fare structure is as follows:

Paying With Cash

  • Onondaga County - The adult cash fare is $2.00, with free transfers to complete one way trips. The fare for children age 6-9 and senior citizens is $1.00. Extension fares must be paid for commuter routes which extend beyond the Onondaga County line.

  • Cayuga County - The adult cash fare for local bus service in the city of Auburn is $1.00 and the fare for children age 6-9 and senior citizens is 50 cents. The adult cash fare for the Auburn to Syracuse route is $4.00.

  • Oswego County - The adult cash fare for local bus service in the cities of Oswego and Fulton is $1.00 and the fare for children age 6-9 and senior citizens is 50 cents. The adult cash fare for the Oswego to Syracuse route is $5.00 and the fare from Fulton to Syracuse is $4.00.

  • Oneida County - The adult cash fare for bus service in the city of Utica and surrounding towns is $1.50, with free transfers to complete one way trips. The fare for children age 6-9 and senior citizens is 75 cents. The adult cash fare for local bus service in the city of Rome is $1.00 and the fare for children age 6-9 and senior citizens is 50 cents.

Paying With Transit Cards

Centro offers two types of transit cards:
  • Unlimited Ride - In Onondaga County and in Utica, the 7 Day ($15.00) and 30 Day ($60.00) Unlimited Ride passes are good for any amount of rides taken in the allotted amount of days. In Auburn, Oswego, Fulton and Rome, 7 Day ($10.00) and 30 Day ($40.00) Unlimited Ride passes are offered.

  • 10-Ride Passes - In Onondaga County and in Utica, 10-ride passes are available for $15.00 for adults and $7.50 for reduced-fare passengers. In Auburn, Oswego, Fulton and Rome, 10-ride passes are available for $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for reduced-fare passengers. Similarly-discounted 10-ride passes are also available for commuter-route passengers in Onondaga, Cayuga and Oswego counties.

Active Bus Fleet

Fleet Numbers Year Model Length Engine Destination Sign Bike Rack Assigned Divisions Comments
540 1992 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

 V 5.501 Suburban
40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro 540 was the only diesel Orion to be rehabbed. The current paint scheme was added as well as LED signs and new A/C and 7 wheelchair positions.
583-604 1999 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

 V 5.503
35 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No Centro of Oneida-Utica Ex-Utica Transit Authority. These buses were rehabbed in 2005. New A/C's, seats, signs, and paint scheme were added.
2099-2499 1999 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

 V 5.505
30 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No Centro of Oneida-Rome Ex-VIP Trans. These buses were rehabbed in 2006. New A/C's, seats, signs, and paint scheme were added.
9900-9977 1999 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

 V 5.501
40 CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...

Flip Dot Yes CNY Centro
674-676, 678-681 2001 MCI
Motor Coach Industries
Motor Coach Industries International Inc. is an American bus manufacturer based in Schaumburg, Illinois, and is a leading participant in the North American coach bus industry. It has various operating subsidiaries:...

 102-D3
40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No CNY Centro, Centro of Oswego, Centro of Cayuga 681 formerly numbered 677
2378-2382 2003 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

 V 5.503
35 CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...

LED Yes CNY Centro
2400-2409 2004 New Flyer D30LF 30 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes Centro of Oswego, Centro of Cayuga CNYRTA's first low-floor buses. Delivered to Centro of Cayuga first.
2500-2522 2005 New Flyer D40LF 40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro, Centro of Oswego First low-floor buses for Syracuse and Oswego areas.
2523-2541 2005 New Flyer C40LF 40 CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...

LED Yes CNY Centro 2523-2533 feature suburban seating with two doors; 2534-2541 have local seating.
2700-2708 2007 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 Advantage Hybrid
40 Hybrid
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...

LED Yes CNY Centro CNYRTA's first hybrid buses, feature an enhanced version of current paint scheme.
2720-2721 2007 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 Advantage
35 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No Centro of Oneida-Utica First low-floor buses for Utica area.
2800-2802 2008 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 Advantage
40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro Suburban seating with two doors.
2810-2812 2008 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 BRT
30 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro
682-686 2009 MCI
Motor Coach Industries
Motor Coach Industries International Inc. is an American bus manufacturer based in Schaumburg, Illinois, and is a leading participant in the North American coach bus industry. It has various operating subsidiaries:...

 D4000
40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No CNY Centro, Centro of Oswego, Centro of Cayuga First coach buses with LED destination signs.
2900-2904 2009 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 Advantage
40 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro Suburban seating with two doors.
2905-2908 2009 Gillig
Gillig
Gillig Corporation, formerly Gillig Bros., is a manufacturer of heavy-duty low-floor transit buses located in Hayward, California. Prior to 1993, Gillig had also been a manufacturer of school buses.-History:...

 Advantage
35 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No Centro of Oneida-Utica
2946-2947 2009 IC Bus LC Series 27 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED Yes CNY Centro
1000-1017 2010 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

VII 07.501
40 CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...

LED Yes CNY Centro 1015-1017 wrapped for Connective Corridor service
1019 2010 Orion
Orion Bus Industries
Orion International, previously Orion Bus Industries and Ontario Bus Industries in Canada and Bus Industries of America in the United States, is a bus manufacturer based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and established by the Government of Ontario in 1975...

VII 07.502
35 Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...

LED No Centro of Oneida-Rome

External links

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