UCAT Route Optimization Plan

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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.

All project materials will be posted in the menu to the right, as well as on the UCTC Website, as they become available, including an upcoming interactive mapping platform.

Public Information Sessions

Public information sessions to present the final draft recommendations of the UCAT Route Optimization Plan will be scheduled for October 2025. Check back soon for more information!

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.

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

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.

All project materials will be posted in the menu to the right, as well as on the UCTC Website, as they become available, including an upcoming interactive mapping platform.

Public Information Sessions

Public information sessions to present the final draft recommendations of the UCAT Route Optimization Plan will be scheduled for October 2025. Check back soon for more information!

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.

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!

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  • 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 27 days 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 26 days 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 about 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 1 month 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 about 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 about 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. 

  • Share You ask about more information, and offer yes or no: best practices suggest "not at this time" The Blue Line covers some great area but the transit time and interarrival time it way too long. We want a shuttle bus to build on existing "quorum" stops, where people are already there and can hop and off. The Blue Line is something else. The KCor Shuttle transit and interarrival times carry people on Kingston's Main Street (re: Main Street Manager Program). That's a three mile backbone of the city... appendages could follow. So very very much that happens in Kingston happens on the KCor. If you add a block or two walk perpendicular to the Corridor, there are more wonderful places. So much to say about what the Kingston Corridor could do for the people of Kingston and the city! there is literally too much to say! :-) Love to have you on board. on Facebook Share You ask about more information, and offer yes or no: best practices suggest "not at this time" The Blue Line covers some great area but the transit time and interarrival time it way too long. We want a shuttle bus to build on existing "quorum" stops, where people are already there and can hop and off. The Blue Line is something else. The KCor Shuttle transit and interarrival times carry people on Kingston's Main Street (re: Main Street Manager Program). That's a three mile backbone of the city... appendages could follow. So very very much that happens in Kingston happens on the KCor. If you add a block or two walk perpendicular to the Corridor, there are more wonderful places. So much to say about what the Kingston Corridor could do for the people of Kingston and the city! there is literally too much to say! :-) Love to have you on board. on Twitter Share You ask about more information, and offer yes or no: best practices suggest "not at this time" The Blue Line covers some great area but the transit time and interarrival time it way too long. We want a shuttle bus to build on existing "quorum" stops, where people are already there and can hop and off. The Blue Line is something else. The KCor Shuttle transit and interarrival times carry people on Kingston's Main Street (re: Main Street Manager Program). That's a three mile backbone of the city... appendages could follow. So very very much that happens in Kingston happens on the KCor. If you add a block or two walk perpendicular to the Corridor, there are more wonderful places. So much to say about what the Kingston Corridor could do for the people of Kingston and the city! there is literally too much to say! :-) Love to have you on board. on Linkedin Email You ask about more information, and offer yes or no: best practices suggest "not at this time" The Blue Line covers some great area but the transit time and interarrival time it way too long. We want a shuttle bus to build on existing "quorum" stops, where people are already there and can hop and off. The Blue Line is something else. The KCor Shuttle transit and interarrival times carry people on Kingston's Main Street (re: Main Street Manager Program). That's a three mile backbone of the city... appendages could follow. So very very much that happens in Kingston happens on the KCor. If you add a block or two walk perpendicular to the Corridor, there are more wonderful places. So much to say about what the Kingston Corridor could do for the people of Kingston and the city! there is literally too much to say! :-) Love to have you on board. link

    You ask about more information, and offer yes or no: best practices suggest "not at this time" The Blue Line covers some great area but the transit time and interarrival time it way too long. We want a shuttle bus to build on existing "quorum" stops, where people are already there and can hop and off. The Blue Line is something else. The KCor Shuttle transit and interarrival times carry people on Kingston's Main Street (re: Main Street Manager Program). That's a three mile backbone of the city... appendages could follow. So very very much that happens in Kingston happens on the KCor. If you add a block or two walk perpendicular to the Corridor, there are more wonderful places. So much to say about what the Kingston Corridor could do for the people of Kingston and the city! there is literally too much to say! :-) Love to have you on board.

    kingston corridor shuttle bus asked 9 months ago

    The proposed service routes have been consolidated to run on fewer corridors, but the proposals continue to focus on providing population-dense areas with access to essential services and key destinations (grocery shopping, government services, etc). The proposed Route 2 could provide 30 minute service frequency during peak hours under Scenario B.  Broadway, for example, is also interlined with Routes 3, 4, 7, & 10

  • Share Do you have any thoughts on recommendations to address the driver shortage, such as creating a task force? Thank you. on Facebook Share Do you have any thoughts on recommendations to address the driver shortage, such as creating a task force? Thank you. on Twitter Share Do you have any thoughts on recommendations to address the driver shortage, such as creating a task force? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Do you have any thoughts on recommendations to address the driver shortage, such as creating a task force? Thank you. link

    Do you have any thoughts on recommendations to address the driver shortage, such as creating a task force? Thank you.

    Ella Ray asked 10 months ago

    Driver shortage is a consistent challenge experienced by bus companies throughout the United States right now.  For this study, the nature of our recommendations is limited to how the service can be designed that may appeal to drivers more and increase retention (like how in Scenario 2 would have more opportunities for shorter shifts). A task force is a good recommendation, but with the understanding that a lot of the issues with driver shortages are beyond UCAT/UCTC's control.

  • Share Who determines the scope of the study and could it be expanded to consider various scenarios for a more robust system, I.e. with high frequency routes in denser areas, and service on weekends and holidays? on Facebook Share Who determines the scope of the study and could it be expanded to consider various scenarios for a more robust system, I.e. with high frequency routes in denser areas, and service on weekends and holidays? on Twitter Share Who determines the scope of the study and could it be expanded to consider various scenarios for a more robust system, I.e. with high frequency routes in denser areas, and service on weekends and holidays? on Linkedin Email Who determines the scope of the study and could it be expanded to consider various scenarios for a more robust system, I.e. with high frequency routes in denser areas, and service on weekends and holidays? link

    Who determines the scope of the study and could it be expanded to consider various scenarios for a more robust system, I.e. with high frequency routes in denser areas, and service on weekends and holidays?

    Ella Ray asked 10 months ago

    The scope of the study was developed through a collaborative process between UCTC, UCAT, and the Ulster County Executive’s Office.  The current scenarios presented include a 25% increase in county investment to achieve the service coverage and frequency described.  A 25% increase in expenditure is a hypothetical and ambitious financial goal; these additional resources are quickly absorbed as we try to provide transit access throughout the county. In the past, Ulster County municipalities that wanted additional transit service have paid additional dollars of their own to receive those services, which could be considered.

Page last updated: 26 Sep 2025, 02:16 PM