Study recommends ways to improve transportation for Fort Drum families
The Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization (FDRLO) today released the Fort Drum Region Transit Needs Assessment and Analysis Report, which includes a number of recommendations for improving transportation needs for Fort Drum families.
The nine-month study examined the varied forms and patterns of the region’s current public transportation services, assessed areas of additional need, and mindful of state and regional budget constraints has identified potential and appropriate cost-effective ways to improve public transportation services in the Tri-County region. The project focused on existing systems in the tri-county area with special emphasis on communities within a 30-mile radius of Fort Drum’s North Gate on US 11.
“Getting from place to place without a personal vehicle can be challenging for local residents as well as for military personnel and their families, particularly with the rising cost of food, gasoline and other necessities,” commented FDRLO board chair Elizabeth C. Fipps. “Our intention in undertaking the study was to determine the need for and potential options for expanded mobility within the wider Fort Drum community.”
The report provides recommendations on near term and long term public transit and transportation alternative options that could efficiently meet the needs of Fort Drum and surrounding area communities.
Some of the recommendations to be considered as part of a coordinated regional effort include:
• Expand Citibus beyond City limits
• Develop vanpools / Use Mass Transit Benefit for soldiers
• Maximize use of private long-haul carriers
• Operate on-post shuttle route to transfer point at or beyond Main Gate
• Transfer can be timed with private bus system currently operating on Route 11 corridor
• Develop vanpools from Lewis County to Fort Drum and Watertown
• Extend Lewis County’s LOOP Purple Route three days per week
• Open JRC routes to members of the public
• Work with hotels and existing transportation providers to create a shuttle for airport access
As noted in the report’s Executive Summary:
This study has resulted in numerous recommendations, many of which can be quickly implemented and have a high return on investment… Whether through a Regional Transit Committee or a mobility manager, the longer-term recommendations requiring greater funding and collaboration can be tackled as monies and partnerships are formed and solidified. (page ES-4)
The next step in the process is to formalize the Transit Task Force’s longer term goals and areas of concentration selected from the report recommendations.
