UCAT Route Optimization Plan
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
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:
- Current Routes and Data Points
- Technology and Software Analysis
- Route and Service Alternatives
- Scenario Vetting and Field Testing
- Implementation Plan
- 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
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:
- Current Routes and Data Points
- Technology and Software Analysis
- Route and Service Alternatives
- Scenario Vetting and Field Testing
- Implementation Plan
- Updated Service Launch
Ask a question here! We'll get right back to you!
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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 agoThe 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.
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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 agoFeel free to contact the Ulster County Executive's Office regarding her 2026 budget address. https://www.ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/County-Executive
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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 agoYes; public meetings are currently being arranged to take place on November 6. Expect an announcement this week!
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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 about 1 month agoThanks 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.
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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 agoThanks 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/.
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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 agoThanks 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.
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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 agoThanks 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.
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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 agoThank 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.
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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 agoThank 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.
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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 agoWe'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.
Project Documents and Presentations
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*NEW* Final Draft Routes and Schedules
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Preliminary Route Profiles and Public Response
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Public Engagement Plan
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Project Advisory Committee - Kickoff Presentation
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UCAT Market, Service, and Route Analysis
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Task 6 Service Launch and Optimization Tech Memo_final.pdf (2.62 MB) (pdf)
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Task 7 System Technology Analysis
Lifecycle
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Public Engagement
UCAT Route Optimization Plan has finished this stageWe invite the public to be directly engaged throughout this project. Please take our Transit Survey, whether you utilize UCAT services or not. This brief Survey will ask for your general thoughts on UCAT, as well as your preferences, and any changes to transit services in Ulster County that you'd like to see implemented.
The Survey will remain open during the month of May, and public meetings will follow in June.
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Data Points
UCAT Route Optimization Plan has finished this stageAlong with the Transit Survey, a wide array of information will be gathered to establish a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing UCAT network and identify opportunities for improvement. Areas that will be examined include demographics, travel patterns, market analysis data, service route performance data, and data collected from public and stakeholder outreach.
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Technology and Software Analysis
UCAT Route Optimization Plan has finished this stageIn addition to evaluating all routes, stops and services, we will also study various technology and software solutions to find the best system or collaborative systems that would improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of UCAT transportation.
The study team will utilize real-world case studies to further inform this process.
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Route and Service Alternatives
UCAT Route Optimization Plan has finished this stageBased on all available data, including public and stakeholder outreach, the team will develop alternative service scenarios aimed at meeting the needs of our community.
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Scenario Vetting and Field Testing
UCAT Route Optimization Plan has finished this stagePreliminary route scenarios and changes will be presented to the public for additional feedback. The best elements of each scenario will then be field tested and brought into a final recommended service improvement scenario.
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Implementation Plan
UCAT Route Optimization Plan is currently at this stageBased on the findings of the Scenario Vetting and Field Testing, the study team will make final revisions to the recommended service scenario.
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Updated Service Launch
this is an upcoming stage for UCAT Route Optimization PlanOnce all the information is gathered, examined and field tested, UCAT service may potentially change. These changes could include route realignments, infrastructure changes, route extensions, brand new routes, new service types – such as microtransit, service frequency adjustments, operations and facilities recommendations, bus stop enhancements, and further recommendations that are adaptable to an electric fleet transition.
These new service plans will be further tested for reliability, efficiency, customer satisfaction and safety.
Who's Listening
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Director, Planning Department
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Director, UCAT
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Deputy County Executive
Project Advisory Committee
Ulster County Area Transit
Ulster County Office of the County Executive
Sharon Williams, Director, Office of Employment and Training
Vin Martello, DIrector of Community Relations, Ulster County Dept. of Health
Alan Sorenson, Director, Orange County Planning
Mark Debald, Program Administrator, Dutchess County Transportation Council
Daniel Coots, New York State Department of Transportation Region 8 Transit Coordinator
Amanda Gotto, Town Supervisor, Town of New Paltz
Tatiana Rojas, Bilingual Family Worker, Kingston High School
Eric Fortune-Reader, Student Disability Advoacte, SUNY Ulster
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