By: Christine Corrado
Anyone who follows local transportation conversations has heard the same message from Reconnect Rochester: our bus system needs more funding.
They’re right.
Limited resources make it difficult to provide the kind of frequent, reliable service that Monroe County deserves. While advocating for increased investment must remain a priority, it’s also worth asking another question: If resources are limited, where should we focus them?
In addition to prioritizing bus routes and stops with high ridership we should be encouraging new riders, especially those who could opt into using the bus rather than a personal vehicle. More riders leads to higher investment and a better system overall. Why not try connecting residents to the places they depend on every day? A transit system built around life’s essential destinations would make public transportation more practical, more equitable, and more useful option for everyone.
Imagine a network where frequent and well-networked service reliably connects people to:
Retail and Entertainment
Shopping districts, restaurants, movie theaters, and entertainment venues create jobs and help local economies thrive. Transit can make these destinations more accessible while reducing parking demand and traffic congestion.
Major Employment Centers
Employers like the University of Rochester and the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester Institute of Technology, Paychex, Xerox, Amazon, Fairlife, and other major job centers employ thousands of Monroe County residents. Frequent, reliable transit helps workers reach their jobs on time while expanding employers’ access to a larger workforce.
Public Libraries
Libraries are far more than places to borrow books. They provide free internet access, job search assistance, educational programming, meeting spaces, and a welcoming environment for people of all ages. They are among our most accessible community resources.
Grocery Stores and Food Markets
Access to healthy, affordable food is a basic necessity. Frequent transit should connect neighborhoods to grocery stores, the Rochester Public Market, neighborhood farmers markets, and regional food markets so residents can shop without relying on expensive rides or carrying groceries long distances.
Government Offices
Residents need access to city, county, state, and federal offices to obtain IDs, apply for benefits, pay taxes, attend court, register to vote, and access countless public services. Reliable transit ensures everyone can participate in civic life, regardless of whether they own a car.
Schools and Educational Institutions
From pre-K and K-12 schools, trade schools, community colleges, and universities, education creates opportunities for lifelong success. Strong transit helps students, educators, staff, and families access learning without transportation becoming a barrier.
Parks, Recreation Centers, and Community Spaces
Parks, including those in the far reaches of the county, recreation centers, the YMCA, the JCC, and similar facilities support physical activity, mental health, youth development, and social connection. Everyone, not just those who can drive, should be able to reach places that improve quality of life.
Museums, Theaters, and Cultural Destinations
Arts and culture enrich our community, attract visitors, and strengthen our local economy. RTS should make it easy for residents to experience museums, performances, festivals, and other cultural opportunities regardless of income or transportation options.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, urgent care centers, medical offices, pharmacies, and specialty clinics are essential destinations. Missing a medical appointment because of unreliable or infrequent transportation can have serious consequences for both individuals and the healthcare system.
Places of Worship
Faith communities provide spiritual support, social services, volunteer opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Reliable transit helps residents stay connected to communities that are important to their lives.
None of these are luxury destinations. They’re the places people need to reach to work, learn, stay healthy, buy groceries, participate in their communities, and enjoy life.
By prioritizing the places throughout the county (not just within the urban core) that have the greatest impact on daily life, RTS could make every service hour and mile count.
Monroe County deserves both more investment and smarter planning. But until additional funding arrives, focusing on our community’s most important destinations could help build a bus system that better serves the people who depend on it while attracting new riders.
If you believe transit should connect people to opportunity, now is the time to speak up. Share your ideas with RTS, let your state representatives know that transit funding matters, email Reconnect Rochester (info@reconnectrochester.org) and join their statewide coalition for better transit funding.