SUNY Brockport says it is exploring options as RTS On Demand services will end

On a chilly January morning, as students hurried across the SUNY Brockport campus clutching coffee and textbooks, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air. The familiar hum of buses and the promise of accessible public transportation suddenly felt fragile. For many, especially those balancing studies, work, and family commitments, reliable transit isn’t just a convenience — it’s a lifeline. Now, with the impending end of RTS On Demand services on January 22, that lifeline is fraying, prompting concern and action from the university community and local officials alike.

What’s Happening with RTS Service?

The State University of New York at Brockport announced that it is actively exploring options after the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) confirmed the scheduled termination of its On Demand transit zones in Brockport, Irondequoit, Pittsford, and Webster. The decision, set to take effect on January 22, marks the end of a service that has provided vital transportation for students, faculty, and community members for nearly five years. RTS cited financial constraints and the necessity to prioritize taxpayer dollars as reasons for restructuring its services, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sustainable transit system for the entire region.

President Dawn Meza Soufleris of SUNY Brockport expressed her deep concern, highlighting how the cuts have already impacted her students’ lives. She described how students relying on these services now face skyrocketing transportation costs—sometimes paying up to $125 a week for Uber rides to clinical placements or internships in Rochester. “It’s devastating,” she said, emphasizing how these costs threaten to undermine students’ educational and employment opportunities, especially those from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford private rides or own vehicles.

Adding to the urgency, many students come from families where transportation costs mean choosing between tuition and daily travel expenses. Brockport, a town with a population of roughly 8,000 residents, is situated about 15 miles west of Rochester, making transit access crucial for students commuting from the city or nearby suburbs. For many, the university is a gateway to higher education and economic mobility, but the loss of affordable transit options could threaten this pathway.

Impact on Students and the Community

The loss of RTS On Demand services threatens to deepen existing challenges faced by Brockport’s commuter students. Many rely on public transit to access jobs, internships, and essential services within Rochester and surrounding areas. Without reliable transportation, these students risk missing vital opportunities, which could lead to decreased enrollment and a decline in the region’s skilled workforce. Soufleris pointed out that this situation could exacerbate the “brain drain,” where talented young people leave the region due to limited opportunities and connectivity.

Community leaders and local officials are sounding the alarm, emphasizing how integral public transportation is to regional growth. The Brockport area, with its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and burgeoning small businesses, depends heavily on accessible transit. The university’s role as a regional hub for education and workforce development means that transportation issues ripple beyond campus borders, affecting the entire community’s economic vitality and social cohesion.

Local organizations such as the Brockport Economic Development Corporation have expressed concern over how the transit reduction could impact local businesses, especially those that rely on student and worker patronage. Small businesses, restaurants, and retail stores in Brockport and Rochester depend heavily on the steady flow of students and employees who commute daily. A decline in accessible transit could mean fewer customers and a slowdown in economic activity, which is especially critical as the town recovers from pandemic-related setbacks.

What Are the Next Steps?

RTS and SUNY Brockport are currently engaged in discussions to find a sustainable solution. The agency has expressed a desire to work with the university to develop a plan that aligns with both parties’ financial realities while addressing students’ transportation needs. In a statement, RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez underscored their commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, acknowledging the difficult decisions involved but emphasizing the importance of long-term service sustainability.

Meanwhile, President Soufleris remains hopeful. She stated that the university is exploring alternative options, including potential partnerships with local transportation providers or seeking state and local funding to subsidize transit costs. The upcoming Monday meeting between university officials and RTS officials promises to be a critical step toward safeguarding access to public transit for Brockport’s students and residents. The community’s collective effort reflects a shared understanding: accessible transportation is foundational to educational success, economic opportunity, and family stability.

Community-Led Initiatives and Advocacy

Community members and student advocacy groups are mobilizing to ensure that transportation remains accessible. Student government representatives have scheduled meetings with university administration to discuss possible solutions, including subsidized transit passes or shuttle services that could bridge the gap left by RTS. Local nonprofits focused on social equity and transportation justice are also calling for increased state funding and policy changes to protect transit access for underserved populations.

One notable initiative is the Brockport Transit Equity Coalition, which includes students, faculty, local business owners, and residents. They are advocating for a publicly funded transportation program that would guarantee affordable transit options, especially for low-income students and seniors. Their efforts aim to demonstrate the community’s collective stake in maintaining mobility for all residents, emphasizing that transportation is a social justice issue as much as an economic one.

What Happens Next?

RTS and SUNY Brockport are scheduled to meet on Monday to explore potential solutions. Discussions are expected to include options such as increased subsidies, establishing a dedicated Brockport shuttle, or partnering with private transportation companies. The university is also exploring grant opportunities from state and federal sources aimed at expanding transit services in rural and semi-urban areas.

In addition to these negotiations, community forums are being organized to gather input from students, faculty, residents, and local officials. These forums will serve as platforms for voicing concerns, proposing ideas, and building consensus on the best way forward. The hope is that through collaborative effort, the region can develop a sustainable, equitable transportation plan that ensures no student or resident is left behind.

Furthermore, the university is considering long-term strategies, such as integrating transportation planning into its broader campus development and community engagement initiatives. This could include advocating for regional transit funding, expanding bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and exploring innovative mobility solutions like shared electric scooters or on-demand microtransit services.

For more information on regional transit services and ongoing discussions, residents can visit the RTS official website. The site offers updates on service changes, community meetings, and ways to advocate for transportation solutions that serve everyone. Additionally, the SUNY Brockport website provides resources for students navigating transportation challenges and details about campus support programs.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public forums to voice their concerns and ideas. Strong families and committed community partnerships are essential to overcoming transportation hurdles, ensuring that students and families can thrive without the burden of unreliable transit options.

As the region looks toward the future, the hope is that this challenge will spark innovative, community-driven solutions that prioritize the needs of students and families. Whether through expanded partnerships, local government support, or new funding initiatives, the goal remains clear: keep the doors open to opportunity for all who call Brockport home.