Referred to:  The Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation Committee (Chairwoman Petit and Legislators Erner, Fabiano, Litts, and Nolan)

Legislators Phil Erner and Laura Petit offer the following:

WHEREAS, the mission of Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) is to provide quality public transportation to the residents of Ulster County in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner; and

WHEREAS, the COVID pandemic has caused financial hardship and a larger demographic of non-motorized residents to the County; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature has taken actions to create and support an equitable public transportation system including waiving fares and upgrading pay grades to maintain a solid workforce; and

WHEREAS, Ulster County understands that climate change poses a real and  increasing threat to our local and global environments which is primarily exacerbated  by the current burning of fossil fuels especially by individual use of personal vehicles that could be reduced using public transit; and

WHEREAS, reducing use of personal vehicles could lessen wear and tear on the County’s aging infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Ulster County conducted many studies and has held many public input workshops over the years, and there are several grassroot groups focused on safe intermodal transportation and effective public transit; and 

WHEREAS, users of intermodal transportation and public transportation have a better personal understanding of Ulster County’s system and local needs; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Legislature shall create a Transit Riders Advisory Committee made up of thirteen (13) members including seven (7) at large members who regularly use the public transportation system; and six (6) from community and/or philanthropic organizations who advocate for people in need of public transportation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that one regular public transit user is appointed for one (1) year with subsequent appointment of three (3) years; three (3) regular public transit users appointed for two (2) years with subsequent appointments of three (3) years; three (3) regular public transit users appointed for three (3) years with subsequent appointments of three (3) years; two (2) organization representatives appointed for one (1) year with subsequent appointments of three (3) years; two (2) organization representatives appointed for two (2) years with subsequent appointments for three (3) years; and, two (2) organization representatives appointed for three years with subsequent appointments of three (3) years thereafter; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that interested candidates shall fill out and application with resume for review by the legislative committee currently charged with oversight of transportation, now the Public Works, Capital Improvement and Transportation Committee; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that a representative from Ulster County Area Transit shall attend committee meetings as a non-voting member to provide critical information and updates on the County transportation system; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the committee shall meet no less than four times annually to ensure that transportation services are delivered safely, effectively, and efficiently in a manner that safeguards the public and serves the County as a whole,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                       NOES:    

Passed Committee: Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation on ____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE