UCAT Route Optimization Plan

Share UCAT Route Optimization Plan on Facebook Share UCAT Route Optimization Plan on Twitter Share UCAT Route Optimization Plan on Linkedin Email UCAT Route Optimization Plan link

Final Draft Route Optimization Plan

Public Information Sessions Scheduled for November 6

Register for Virtual Sessions In Advance - No Registration Required for In-Person Attendance

4:00pm Session 1

6:00pm Session 2

UCAT is partnering with the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) on the UCAT Route Optimization Plan to study how the existing UCAT system — including its routes, schedules, and services — can be transformed to better serve the public.

Public information sessions to present the final draft recommendations of the UCAT Route Optimization Plan are scheduled for November 6, 2025. Click here for more information or follow the links above to register for zoom!

Meeting details:

  • Thursday, November 6 - Two sessions: 4 PM and 6 PM (Doors open at 3 PM for browsing maps and materials)

  • In person at The Kirkland/RUPCO Offices (2 Main Street, Kingston) or remotely via Zoom (meeting will be recorded and posted)

  • Language Access: Real-time Spanish translation available via Zoom

All previous public information session slides and recordings can be viewed by following the links on the window to the right; members of the public are welcome to submit questions to staff through the Q&A tool below. For more information, contact Brian Slack, Principal Transportation Planner, at bsla@ulstercountyny.gov

Project Lifecycle steps include the following:


  1. Current Routes and Data Points
  2. Technology and Software Analysis
  3. Route and Service Alternatives
  4. Scenario Vetting and Field Testing
  5. Implementation Plan
  6. Updated Service Launch

Final Draft Route Optimization Plan

Public Information Sessions Scheduled for November 6

Register for Virtual Sessions In Advance - No Registration Required for In-Person Attendance

4:00pm Session 1

6:00pm Session 2

UCAT is partnering with the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) on the UCAT Route Optimization Plan to study how the existing UCAT system — including its routes, schedules, and services — can be transformed to better serve the public.

Public information sessions to present the final draft recommendations of the UCAT Route Optimization Plan are scheduled for November 6, 2025. Click here for more information or follow the links above to register for zoom!

Meeting details:

  • Thursday, November 6 - Two sessions: 4 PM and 6 PM (Doors open at 3 PM for browsing maps and materials)

  • In person at The Kirkland/RUPCO Offices (2 Main Street, Kingston) or remotely via Zoom (meeting will be recorded and posted)

  • Language Access: Real-time Spanish translation available via Zoom

All previous public information session slides and recordings can be viewed by following the links on the window to the right; members of the public are welcome to submit questions to staff through the Q&A tool below. For more information, contact Brian Slack, Principal Transportation Planner, at bsla@ulstercountyny.gov

Project Lifecycle steps include the following:


  1. Current Routes and Data Points
  2. Technology and Software Analysis
  3. Route and Service Alternatives
  4. Scenario Vetting and Field Testing
  5. Implementation Plan
  6. Updated Service Launch

Ask a question here! We'll get right back to you!

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share The 2017 Transit Systems Integration Plan proposed double the fixed route trips on weekdays (to 65 trips from Citibus' 33 trips) plus on demand service in 4 areas (including Wilbur) in Kingston. In the end, none of that came to pass. What's different this time around? on Facebook Share The 2017 Transit Systems Integration Plan proposed double the fixed route trips on weekdays (to 65 trips from Citibus' 33 trips) plus on demand service in 4 areas (including Wilbur) in Kingston. In the end, none of that came to pass. What's different this time around? on Twitter Share The 2017 Transit Systems Integration Plan proposed double the fixed route trips on weekdays (to 65 trips from Citibus' 33 trips) plus on demand service in 4 areas (including Wilbur) in Kingston. In the end, none of that came to pass. What's different this time around? on Linkedin Email The 2017 Transit Systems Integration Plan proposed double the fixed route trips on weekdays (to 65 trips from Citibus' 33 trips) plus on demand service in 4 areas (including Wilbur) in Kingston. In the end, none of that came to pass. What's different this time around? link

    The 2017 Transit Systems Integration Plan proposed double the fixed route trips on weekdays (to 65 trips from Citibus' 33 trips) plus on demand service in 4 areas (including Wilbur) in Kingston. In the end, none of that came to pass. What's different this time around?

    Tanya G asked 3 days ago

    The planning team behind the integration of Citibus and UCAT systems believed that that process presented both an opportunity and a challenge, which is why the plan set ambitious goals for improving the system.  Ultimately, due to budgetary, staff and technological constraints, implementation of those improvements was postponed.  In February 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic brought a wave of stay-at-home orders that drastically decreased in-person attendance at workplaces, schools, restaurants, and events. As a result, transit ridership decreased 81 percent between April 2019 and April 2020, and 97 percent of the 518 agencies that reported service information to FTA reduced service. This created an enormous challenge for transit agencies, including UCAT.  UCTC is hopeful that UCAT and Ulster County Government will be able to utilize these new recommendations to improve service in the months and years ahead.

  • Share In her 2026 Budget presentation, County Executive Metzer said "We remain committed to increasing service where we have the ridership to support it, and I’m pleased to share that, by popular demand, we will be adding Sunday bus service in Kingston in the coming year.". We learned last November that the bus that will replace the KPL (if UCAT actually implements it) will run more frequently than the KPL/UPL does now on Sundays and will have more identified stops in Kingston. Is this what she is referring to? on Facebook Share In her 2026 Budget presentation, County Executive Metzer said "We remain committed to increasing service where we have the ridership to support it, and I’m pleased to share that, by popular demand, we will be adding Sunday bus service in Kingston in the coming year.". We learned last November that the bus that will replace the KPL (if UCAT actually implements it) will run more frequently than the KPL/UPL does now on Sundays and will have more identified stops in Kingston. Is this what she is referring to? on Twitter Share In her 2026 Budget presentation, County Executive Metzer said "We remain committed to increasing service where we have the ridership to support it, and I’m pleased to share that, by popular demand, we will be adding Sunday bus service in Kingston in the coming year.". We learned last November that the bus that will replace the KPL (if UCAT actually implements it) will run more frequently than the KPL/UPL does now on Sundays and will have more identified stops in Kingston. Is this what she is referring to? on Linkedin Email In her 2026 Budget presentation, County Executive Metzer said "We remain committed to increasing service where we have the ridership to support it, and I’m pleased to share that, by popular demand, we will be adding Sunday bus service in Kingston in the coming year.". We learned last November that the bus that will replace the KPL (if UCAT actually implements it) will run more frequently than the KPL/UPL does now on Sundays and will have more identified stops in Kingston. Is this what she is referring to? link

    In her 2026 Budget presentation, County Executive Metzer said "We remain committed to increasing service where we have the ridership to support it, and I’m pleased to share that, by popular demand, we will be adding Sunday bus service in Kingston in the coming year.". We learned last November that the bus that will replace the KPL (if UCAT actually implements it) will run more frequently than the KPL/UPL does now on Sundays and will have more identified stops in Kingston. Is this what she is referring to?

    Tanya G asked 3 days ago

    Feel free to contact the Ulster County Executive's Office regarding her 2026 budget address. https://www.ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/County-Executive

  • Share Good day, Since UCAT has already made significant changes to all schedules, will the ROP- still take place and if so, will it still be presented this month? John Latona on Facebook Share Good day, Since UCAT has already made significant changes to all schedules, will the ROP- still take place and if so, will it still be presented this month? John Latona on Twitter Share Good day, Since UCAT has already made significant changes to all schedules, will the ROP- still take place and if so, will it still be presented this month? John Latona on Linkedin Email Good day, Since UCAT has already made significant changes to all schedules, will the ROP- still take place and if so, will it still be presented this month? John Latona link

    Good day, Since UCAT has already made significant changes to all schedules, will the ROP- still take place and if so, will it still be presented this month? John Latona

    JohnAL asked 16 days ago

    Yes; public meetings are currently being arranged to take place on November 6.  Expect an announcement this week!

  • Share can we get more midday stops in rosendale (to/from kingston and/or new paltz)? especially during the summer and weekends? on Facebook Share can we get more midday stops in rosendale (to/from kingston and/or new paltz)? especially during the summer and weekends? on Twitter Share can we get more midday stops in rosendale (to/from kingston and/or new paltz)? especially during the summer and weekends? on Linkedin Email can we get more midday stops in rosendale (to/from kingston and/or new paltz)? especially during the summer and weekends? link

    can we get more midday stops in rosendale (to/from kingston and/or new paltz)? especially during the summer and weekends?

    dbliss asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your comment. A presentation regarding proposed route changes will be scheduled for later in October 2025; we look forward to presenting potential schedule options for Rosendale then.  

  • Share Hi I don't have a vehicle at the moment I've always had a car but with the last six months I don't and I've been relying on U Cat which has been very helpful for my daughter and I to get back-and-forth to work I work in Poughkeepsie she works in Saugerties we live on Hurley Avenue I have to go very early in the morning And walk to the Plaza in the dark I've since heard that now we will have to walk even further all the way over by the governor Clinton that's not fair for working class people there should be more bus stops not just in one specific spot I know what's going on in the Plaza is also not fair but it's not fair for people that actually work to get Basically punished for people that don't work and don't do anything but hang out and go to DSS every day. I don't feel comfortable having to walk in the dark at 4:45 in the morning now all the way over to Albany Avenue to get a bus there should be a bus stop closer by Hurley Avenue or over by Trailways somewhere. on Facebook Share Hi I don't have a vehicle at the moment I've always had a car but with the last six months I don't and I've been relying on U Cat which has been very helpful for my daughter and I to get back-and-forth to work I work in Poughkeepsie she works in Saugerties we live on Hurley Avenue I have to go very early in the morning And walk to the Plaza in the dark I've since heard that now we will have to walk even further all the way over by the governor Clinton that's not fair for working class people there should be more bus stops not just in one specific spot I know what's going on in the Plaza is also not fair but it's not fair for people that actually work to get Basically punished for people that don't work and don't do anything but hang out and go to DSS every day. I don't feel comfortable having to walk in the dark at 4:45 in the morning now all the way over to Albany Avenue to get a bus there should be a bus stop closer by Hurley Avenue or over by Trailways somewhere. on Twitter Share Hi I don't have a vehicle at the moment I've always had a car but with the last six months I don't and I've been relying on U Cat which has been very helpful for my daughter and I to get back-and-forth to work I work in Poughkeepsie she works in Saugerties we live on Hurley Avenue I have to go very early in the morning And walk to the Plaza in the dark I've since heard that now we will have to walk even further all the way over by the governor Clinton that's not fair for working class people there should be more bus stops not just in one specific spot I know what's going on in the Plaza is also not fair but it's not fair for people that actually work to get Basically punished for people that don't work and don't do anything but hang out and go to DSS every day. I don't feel comfortable having to walk in the dark at 4:45 in the morning now all the way over to Albany Avenue to get a bus there should be a bus stop closer by Hurley Avenue or over by Trailways somewhere. on Linkedin Email Hi I don't have a vehicle at the moment I've always had a car but with the last six months I don't and I've been relying on U Cat which has been very helpful for my daughter and I to get back-and-forth to work I work in Poughkeepsie she works in Saugerties we live on Hurley Avenue I have to go very early in the morning And walk to the Plaza in the dark I've since heard that now we will have to walk even further all the way over by the governor Clinton that's not fair for working class people there should be more bus stops not just in one specific spot I know what's going on in the Plaza is also not fair but it's not fair for people that actually work to get Basically punished for people that don't work and don't do anything but hang out and go to DSS every day. I don't feel comfortable having to walk in the dark at 4:45 in the morning now all the way over to Albany Avenue to get a bus there should be a bus stop closer by Hurley Avenue or over by Trailways somewhere. link

    Hi I don't have a vehicle at the moment I've always had a car but with the last six months I don't and I've been relying on U Cat which has been very helpful for my daughter and I to get back-and-forth to work I work in Poughkeepsie she works in Saugerties we live on Hurley Avenue I have to go very early in the morning And walk to the Plaza in the dark I've since heard that now we will have to walk even further all the way over by the governor Clinton that's not fair for working class people there should be more bus stops not just in one specific spot I know what's going on in the Plaza is also not fair but it's not fair for people that actually work to get Basically punished for people that don't work and don't do anything but hang out and go to DSS every day. I don't feel comfortable having to walk in the dark at 4:45 in the morning now all the way over to Albany Avenue to get a bus there should be a bus stop closer by Hurley Avenue or over by Trailways somewhere.

    Theresa Williams asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your comment. Concerns regarding day to day operations should be submitted directly to UCAT.  You can visit their website at https://ucat.ulstercountyny.gov/.  There you will find a customer satisfaction survey at the bottom of the page, or you can submit concerns directly to UCAT staff; contact information is available at https://ucat.ulstercountyny.gov/about-ucat/.

  • Share I live on 9W and rely on the bus (do not drive) to get to Poughkeepsie for work. I have trouble catching the bus back to Kingston so I can go back home. Is there a plan to coordinate better with Dutchess County's bus system? on Facebook Share I live on 9W and rely on the bus (do not drive) to get to Poughkeepsie for work. I have trouble catching the bus back to Kingston so I can go back home. Is there a plan to coordinate better with Dutchess County's bus system? on Twitter Share I live on 9W and rely on the bus (do not drive) to get to Poughkeepsie for work. I have trouble catching the bus back to Kingston so I can go back home. Is there a plan to coordinate better with Dutchess County's bus system? on Linkedin Email I live on 9W and rely on the bus (do not drive) to get to Poughkeepsie for work. I have trouble catching the bus back to Kingston so I can go back home. Is there a plan to coordinate better with Dutchess County's bus system? link

    I live on 9W and rely on the bus (do not drive) to get to Poughkeepsie for work. I have trouble catching the bus back to Kingston so I can go back home. Is there a plan to coordinate better with Dutchess County's bus system?

    Alex asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question.  Right now, UCAT strives to coordinate service to Poughkeepsie with MetroNorth schedules.  If there are other connections that you like to make when you arrive in Poughkeepsie, please let us know.

  • Share Can you please include a stop on the Z route for the new location of the Woodstock library, on Dixon Road in Woodstock? on Facebook Share Can you please include a stop on the Z route for the new location of the Woodstock library, on Dixon Road in Woodstock? on Twitter Share Can you please include a stop on the Z route for the new location of the Woodstock library, on Dixon Road in Woodstock? on Linkedin Email Can you please include a stop on the Z route for the new location of the Woodstock library, on Dixon Road in Woodstock? link

    Can you please include a stop on the Z route for the new location of the Woodstock library, on Dixon Road in Woodstock?

    Justin F asked about 2 months ago

    Thanks for your inquiry...that's a great suggestion. Right now, our route planners are focusing on developing routes and schedules to major destinations. Woodstock is served through "Route 6" on the Preliminary Routes.  As we get closer to new route implementation, specific schedules with individual destinations will be made available to the public.  If your preferred destination isn't included in the initial route, it can be requested and considered by UCAT's managers and dispatch staff, either as a once-off stop or as a regular stop.  

  • Share Are there any plans in place to improve the customer service skills of the individuals answering your dispatch line. I have been in call Center customer service for 30 years and I would never speak to my callers as your dispatchers do. I have personally called for assistance a few times and have been treated with a condesending attitude as if I am bothering them. I hear the same complaints from other riders. I only call when I can't get a clear direction from the app or website. on Facebook Share Are there any plans in place to improve the customer service skills of the individuals answering your dispatch line. I have been in call Center customer service for 30 years and I would never speak to my callers as your dispatchers do. I have personally called for assistance a few times and have been treated with a condesending attitude as if I am bothering them. I hear the same complaints from other riders. I only call when I can't get a clear direction from the app or website. on Twitter Share Are there any plans in place to improve the customer service skills of the individuals answering your dispatch line. I have been in call Center customer service for 30 years and I would never speak to my callers as your dispatchers do. I have personally called for assistance a few times and have been treated with a condesending attitude as if I am bothering them. I hear the same complaints from other riders. I only call when I can't get a clear direction from the app or website. on Linkedin Email Are there any plans in place to improve the customer service skills of the individuals answering your dispatch line. I have been in call Center customer service for 30 years and I would never speak to my callers as your dispatchers do. I have personally called for assistance a few times and have been treated with a condesending attitude as if I am bothering them. I hear the same complaints from other riders. I only call when I can't get a clear direction from the app or website. link

    Are there any plans in place to improve the customer service skills of the individuals answering your dispatch line. I have been in call Center customer service for 30 years and I would never speak to my callers as your dispatchers do. I have personally called for assistance a few times and have been treated with a condesending attitude as if I am bothering them. I hear the same complaints from other riders. I only call when I can't get a clear direction from the app or website.

    CSF61 asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your comment.  Ulster County Government strives for customer satisfaction at all levels of interaction with the public.  Improving the customer experience is an underlying goal of the Route Optimization Plan.  The Ulster County Executive's Office and UCAT have been made aware of your concerns.

  • Share Will there be more stops to pick up people at Rodeway Inn in New Paltz? There isn’t enough stops at the Rodeway Inn. Most of the time you are drop off at Stewart’s and have to wait 1 hr 45 minutes for another bus to take you to be drop off at the Rodeway. Will there be more buses be able to go on this route? on Facebook Share Will there be more stops to pick up people at Rodeway Inn in New Paltz? There isn’t enough stops at the Rodeway Inn. Most of the time you are drop off at Stewart’s and have to wait 1 hr 45 minutes for another bus to take you to be drop off at the Rodeway. Will there be more buses be able to go on this route? on Twitter Share Will there be more stops to pick up people at Rodeway Inn in New Paltz? There isn’t enough stops at the Rodeway Inn. Most of the time you are drop off at Stewart’s and have to wait 1 hr 45 minutes for another bus to take you to be drop off at the Rodeway. Will there be more buses be able to go on this route? on Linkedin Email Will there be more stops to pick up people at Rodeway Inn in New Paltz? There isn’t enough stops at the Rodeway Inn. Most of the time you are drop off at Stewart’s and have to wait 1 hr 45 minutes for another bus to take you to be drop off at the Rodeway. Will there be more buses be able to go on this route? link

    Will there be more stops to pick up people at Rodeway Inn in New Paltz? There isn’t enough stops at the Rodeway Inn. Most of the time you are drop off at Stewart’s and have to wait 1 hr 45 minutes for another bus to take you to be drop off at the Rodeway. Will there be more buses be able to go on this route?

    Chris asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your comment. The location that you've identified would be served by a future "Route 9" as shown on the Preliminary Route Profile Maps.  Service frequency is currently proposed as 150 minutes during weekdays.

  • Share None of the scenarios for any of the routes include pathways for improved service if solutions are found for specific challenges/constraints/gaps (e.g., funding, driver shortages). Would it be possible to include such scenarios for a menu of service improvement options (e.g., weekend/Sunday service, greater frequencies, schedule frequencies during driver lunch breaks)? on Facebook Share None of the scenarios for any of the routes include pathways for improved service if solutions are found for specific challenges/constraints/gaps (e.g., funding, driver shortages). Would it be possible to include such scenarios for a menu of service improvement options (e.g., weekend/Sunday service, greater frequencies, schedule frequencies during driver lunch breaks)? on Twitter Share None of the scenarios for any of the routes include pathways for improved service if solutions are found for specific challenges/constraints/gaps (e.g., funding, driver shortages). Would it be possible to include such scenarios for a menu of service improvement options (e.g., weekend/Sunday service, greater frequencies, schedule frequencies during driver lunch breaks)? on Linkedin Email None of the scenarios for any of the routes include pathways for improved service if solutions are found for specific challenges/constraints/gaps (e.g., funding, driver shortages). Would it be possible to include such scenarios for a menu of service improvement options (e.g., weekend/Sunday service, greater frequencies, schedule frequencies during driver lunch breaks)? link

    None of the scenarios for any of the routes include pathways for improved service if solutions are found for specific challenges/constraints/gaps (e.g., funding, driver shortages). Would it be possible to include such scenarios for a menu of service improvement options (e.g., weekend/Sunday service, greater frequencies, schedule frequencies during driver lunch breaks)?

    Resilient Ulster County asked 10 months ago

    We'll endeavor to take these additional services into account as we develop revised scenarios for implementation.  At a minimum they can be listed as recommendations for policy makers going forward. 

Page last updated: 22 Oct 2025, 01:55 PM