County bus will travel to city

Gouverneur residents will be able to hitch a cheap ride to Watertown starting June 1, courtesy of the St. Lawrence County Commuter Bus.

"The Gouverneur community is very anxious to see this happen," said Nancy A. Robert, St. Lawrence County transportation coordinator. "I'd call this the first attempt in St. Lawrence County to create a north country regional transportation service."

She said the county's bus, which also will stop in the Jefferson County communities of Philadelphia, Evans Mills and LeRay, will link with Watertown's CitiBus so riders can reach a variety of destinations in the city. Mrs. Robert said the route provides an easy way for Gouverneur residents to get to jobs, doctor appointments and college classes in Watertown.

The one-way fare is $1.50. The route will provide three round trips per day, six days a week, stopping at the village's municipal parking lot, Cambray Courts, Philadelphia's Friends Settlement Apartments and Philadelphia Courts, the Evans Mills Municipal Building, the LeRay Walmart and the CitiBus transfer station, 117 Arsenal St.

"We are anxious for it to start," said Gregory C. Davis, a vocational rehabilitation counselor with Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. "We have about 80 people we serve in Gouverneur, and at least 25 of them need transportation. Without this, they wouldn't be able to be gainfully employed. With any luck, this will open doors for us."

Mrs. Robert said the town and village of Gouverneur have stepped up to get the service off the ground. She said the bus will be parked in the town barn, diesel can be purchased from town fuel tanks, and village officials are considering enclosing the pavilion to shelter riders from bad weather.

"I think it's needed," town Supervisor Robert R. Ritchie said. "With the price of gas, it will be cheaper for folks for sure. I hope it works out."

Legislator Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur, said he has long felt that Gouverneur has a rightful place along the bus route.

"I'm glad it's getting online as soon as it is," he said.

Mrs. Robert said route times and stops will be posted soon on the bus Web site, www.com

muterbusinfo.com.