Centro to resume fare collection

[Clipper]

wibx950.com/centro-to-resume-fare-collection-in-utica-and-rome/

Wow. Centro has been running without collecting fares since March? Bus service has been subsidized by the federal government since way back when I started driving for Central NY Coach Lines in 1972, attributed mostly to ridership too low to support profitability. Is is one of the things that the federal government subsidizes that I personally find to be a very worthwhile investment of taxpayer dollars. It is hard to comprehend the idea that Centro has not collected a fare since March and yet has continued service.

PB, has the service been on a limited basis compared to their regular schedules or former schedules before the pandemic? It is one of the essential services that serve so many city folks that depend on public transportation for moving about the city, shopping, commuting to their jobs, to access regular medical care, etc. Thank goodness the service was not shut down.

How does the fare system work? Are there still cash fareboxes on the buses or does a person have to have a ticket? Do the driver's still sell transfers? It has changed a lot since I drove on the Syracuse and Valley lines. We were forced by the feds to go to paper tickets so that there was more accountability and way to trace ridership by area. Where the people got on, and where they got off was tracked and surveyed periodically and schedules were adjusted appropriately. We still accepted cash fares and carried our coin changers but had to punch tickets, giving one copy to passenger and turning in the other copy at the end of the day. Greyhound terminals in Utica and Syracuse sold our tickets as well as commuter tickets good for 7 day, 14 days, and 30 days, and we accepted Greyhound and Trailways tickets.

[Deleted]

Well now that's an extra $30.00/month for transport. Hope COVID return so fares will end again. Service has been on regular schedules, nothing changed except we entered and exited the Bus via back door and no talking to driver. A person can use a ticket( Bus Pass) or they can pay cash except if one is paying cash their is no chane returned to customer. So if they put $2.00 in the electronic fare box they get a ticket for 50 cents thye can use the next time they need a bus. Someone on day last winter it was cold and wet and raw day. I was alone on Bus and a guy got on and didn't have correct money to use. So he put in a $5.00 bill and get back a bunch of tickets $3.50 in tickets of 50 cents each. LOL

The CENTRO Utica service got 14 million recently to operate while not collecting fares. Ridership was down at the time which I liked. Made it safer.

[Clipper]

I guess $30 is not bad if it provides for unlimited use of the buses. It has to be more economical than paying the one way fare each way when you board the bus each time. I know that Central Coach's commuter tickets provided a substantial discount over paying daily fares.

[Deleted]

The savings is because of reduced fare for seniors and disabled. Unlimited rides for 7 days costs me $7.50 for each ticket. Regular fare for same ticket is $15.00. If I had to pay $15.00 a ticket then the total would be: $60.00!!!! Either way $30.00 or $60.00 is a lot of money for me. That would be like having to pay maybe $100. or $200. to most people. But I must travel daily or I would go absolutely crazy. I am sure that if was unable to get away even to a store each day living in this place and area I wold simply kill myself. Would not even be worth living. AND I AM SERIOUS.

[Clipper]

I hear ya. I wish your smoky and loud neighbor would move or croak so you could have peace in your own apartment, or that you could move to a more pleasant apartment building. I understand the need to get out even if it is to go to the store. As you know, I am not one to sit still. I would go nuts if I lived where you do and couldn't get out and about.

I know it is expensive for you, but it is much cheaper than owning a car and putting gas in it. My truck was over $30K when I bought it and I spend about $60 to $90 every month on gas, depending on where I go and how many miles I put on.

[Deleted]

I was thinking about buying a small inexpensive used car. I wouldn't have any problem credit wise. I have to start looking into this cause as I get older it gets difficult caring groceries home and the use of a cart on the Bus is really impracticable especially now that a law was passed stating that bags or carts CANNOT obstruct the aisles on public transportation. Using a cab even to come home would cost me over $10.00 so that is not practical. I would also enjoy using it to go places like parks or scenic spots around here that the Bus doesn't travel. I was thinking something around $7,000 or $8,000 . What do you think Clipper and what would you recommend. Anyone can help me with this one.

[Clipper]

If you can find a small and economical car in good mechanical condition go for it. Pay a mechanic to thoroughly inspect any prospects before you buy. There is a abundance of scenic, peaceful places to go to relax within a short drive of the city. A folding chair, a bag lunch, and a good book would be excellent recreation. Fresh air, a little walking, and just enjoying a ride in the country can be very therapeutic. I used to fish regularly for recreation and relaxation but even when the fish weren't biting I enjoyed sitting by a body of water with a thermos of hot coffee, just enjoying the outdoors.

[BHU]

Aug 18, 2020 16:21:49 GMT -5 @turd said:

I was thinking about buying a small inexpensive used car. I wouldn't have any problem credit wise. I have to start looking into this cause as I get older it gets difficult caring groceries home and the use of a cart on the Bus is really impracticable especially now that a law was passed stating that bags or carts CANNOT obstruct the aisles on public transportation. Using a cab even to come home would cost me over $10.00 so that is not practical. I would also enjoy using it to go places like parks or scenic spots around here that the Bus doesn't travel. I was thinking something around $7,000 or $8,000 . What do you think Clipper and what would you recommend. Anyone can help me with this one.

PB, for $7-8000 you should be able to pick up a nice subcompact with 4cyl. that won't burn a lot of gas. But remember you have to add sales tax to the price which in O.C. is 8.75%. Be careful on CL, too many scammers. You can look online at AutoTrader or Carscom for ideas. If I were you I'd look at Honda or Toyota. They run forever if you keep up on maintenance. Good luck.

[Clipper]

BHU is spot on with his advice PB. Toyota and Honda are VERY reliable. My brother drove a Hona Accord for over 10 yrs and put almost 300,000 miles on it. The only reason he traded it was because he retired and they wanted something new so they could travel and see the kids and grandkids in Ohio and in Chattenooga. He bought a Honda Passport so they would have more room for luggage etc.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys for the information. My car buying knowledge is very very limited to say the least. When I bought my first car I am sure I paid more than I should have. I think when I asked if the glove compartment and cigarette lighter came with the car all bets were off. What bothered me most was the grinding sound that developed in the rear near the tire. They said I'd get use to it but really never did so I just went and bought a pair of ear plugs.

[Clipper]

You crack me up PB. LOL!

[Deleted]

Signage was placed on front and back door entrances to the lobby/office/bathroom area of CENTRO terminal downtown. The sign said: STOP. ONLY THREE PEOPLE ALOUD INSIDE AT ANY ONE TIME. POLICY SHALL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

I can't wait for next week. I will have to bring my camera cause this will be very interesting. LOL Those little old ladies with walkers will bring there shotgun to get in if they need a bathroom call.

Picture this seven Buses arrive at station out come 100 people. Most need change to catch another Bus( they never travel with enough change). Buses will leave in 5 to 20 minutes. Some may have an hour wait for their next Bus and that depends if you want the New York Mills or Whitesboro Bus. Bus in the winter these people want to be INSIDE where it is warm.

[Clipper]

It's going to be chaotic for sure. If they are not going to let more than three people in the building at a time, they need to have a walk-up window or some provision for people to get change. Just think. They may put porta-johns there. The seats will be a bit chilly come winter.

[clarencebunsen]

www.rd.com/list/car-brands-mechanics-avoid-buying-for-themselves/?_cmp=readuprdus&_ebid=readuprdus8252020&_mid=365456&ehid=31C80E1E0EEF8D7EB5B6F60A3E28B8ED391E8E38

PB, I thought of you when I read this. At the end they have some cars that the mechanics surveyed said they would buy.

[Deleted]

Thanks CB