The Clinton County, NY Legislature is due to vote at their September 27, 2017 meeting on a plan to reduce transit costs by eliminating Paratransit services in the greater Plattsburgh area, and replacing it with route deviation. Click here to read the full plan. The plan includes this map showing the areas where Paratransit would be replaced by Route Deviation.
Paratransit is an accessible bus service intended to serve people with disabilities who can't navigate the regular bus routes and schedules, even when those buses are physically accessible. It is an individual pickup service, currently available by appointment throughout the county, during regular bus hours.
Route Deviation is when a bus diverts from its regular public route to pick up a specific passenger, such as a person with a disability. It provides a more limited door to door service within a narrower area, and is dependent on the regular bus schedules.
This issue has been discussed in several public meetings over the last several months. It has also been covered in local newspapers. To learn more, you can read the articles linked below, listed in chronological order:
County weighing elimination of paratransit service
Pete Demola, Sun Community News - June 1, 2017
Proposed Clinton County bus schedule change brings rider angst
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - June 1, 2017
Para-transit riders: Don't take away our independence
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - June 5, 2017
Change in para-transit system moves to planning stage
Dan Heath, Press-Republican - June 12, 2017
Transit officials to craft paratransit replacement plan
Elizabeth Izzo, Sun Community News - June 13, 2017
County moving toward para-transit change
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - September 11, 2017
County paratransit plan slated for final vote
Elizabeth Izzo, Sun Community News - September 12, 2017
Clinton County hears about para-transit again
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - September 13, 2017
If you care about this issue, please contact your Clinton County Legislator before September 27. They especially need to know if this plan would adversely affect your mobility and access to healthcare, employment, and everyday commerce within the county.
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