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OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Department of Mobility Management announces the return of its “Ride the Route” classes this fall.
These free classes teach people how to navigate the Oswego County and Centro bus systems and include a free bus pass for a guided ride-along after each session.
Classes are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 15 and 29 in the training room of the Oswego County Health Department Complex, 70 Bunner St., Oswego. Participants should enter through the main entrance on the south side of the building.
“Through these ‘Ride the Route’ classes, community members gain the knowledge and confidence they need to use our buses and take full advantage of the services available to them,” said Oswego County Legislator Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10, chairwoman of the Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee. “Our public transportation system is an essential resource that provides residents with a safe, reliable and convenient way to get where they need to go.”
Each class begins with “Public Transit 101” to educate attendees about transportation basics, including how to read Oswego County Public Transportation (OPT) and Centro Bus schedules, bus fares and payment options, transfer stations and how transfers work, how to plan a trip and more. Students will also learn the difference between fixed-route services and the on-demand, curb-to-curb ACCESS Oswego County service.
“We’re excited to bring back our ‘Ride the Route’ classes and build on the tremendous growth we’ve seen in ridership over the past year,” said Oswego County Director of Mobility Management Heather Snow. “As more residents turn to public transportation, we want to make sure new riders have the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the system successfully.
“The ‘Ride the Route’ program goes beyond classroom education by providing participants with hands-on, real-world experience,” she added. “A guide accompanies each group on a ride-along, helping participants learn first-hand how to ride the bus and make transfers between OPT and Centro buses.”
Community groups, schools, businesses and anyone wanting to learn about taking the bus are welcome to sign up for the free “Ride the Route” classes. Registration is required.
For more information or to sign up, contact Oswego County Mobility Management Coordinator Kristen Fragale at kristen.fragale@oswegocountyny.gov or 315-746-4221.
The Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee oversees the Oswego County Department of Mobility Management. In addition to Legislator Chesbro, committee members include Vice Chairwoman Noelle Salmonsen, District 21; Edward Gilson, District 3; Paul House, District 8; Christine Novak, District 16; Roy E. Reehil, District 5; and Ryan Taylor, District 25.
