GLENS FALLS — Citing a shortage of drivers, the Greater Glens Falls Transit service has altered and cut back bus routes in the city — and more cutbacks will likely be coming.
Route 11 and Route 12 weekday bus route which runs along Upper Glen Street to Aviation Mall and the Walmart on Route 9 in Queensbury will be replaced by the Route 19 weekday bus.
The Route 19 weekday bus, which ran along Bay Street and Quaker Road, will now run along Glen Street while also servicing Upper Glen Street, the Walmart on Route 9 in Queensbury, and the Montcalm Apartments.
Schedules are also being reduced, with details here or at https://gftransit.org/schedule/.
“Throughout the state, from the largest to the smallest communities, public transit ensures the basic level of mobility for the local population and for the economy,” said Transit Director Scott Sopczyk. “Without public transportation, there would be many residents who would be at a severe disadvantage.”
Sopczyk is scheduled to retire in May.
“Scott and his entire crew have done a phenomenal job keeping our GGFT bus schedule running at ‘full capacity’,” said Bill Collins, mayor of Glens Falls. “And I can’t thank the Capital District Transportation Authority enough for all of the help with loaning drivers and other personnel to GGFT over the last 24 months.”
“The challenges GGFT continues to have in hiring and retaining drivers and mechanics is no different than what any other industry is facing,” added Collins. “It’s a difficult decision to consolidate these bus routes now as we know how much the region counts on our city’s transportation system. Unfortunately, we’re looking at the potential of consolidating additional bus routes by month’s end. It is the real-life evidence as to why the merger with CDTA needs to come to fruition.”
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