As public hearing looms, Auburn councilors oppose Centro service cuts to Cayuga County

AUBURN | Auburn's city council stands against a proposed series of cuts to public transportation service routes in the city and Cayuga County.

Councilors formalized their opposition Thursday to budget reductions to the Centro bus service, which operates in Cayuga County and three other counties in central New York.

Part of a proposal to close that deficit is to reduce weeknight service hours in Auburn, cut Sunday service connecting Auburn to Syracuse, eliminate all Lake Avenue and Owasco Road service and eliminate weekly and 30-day unlimited ride passes for Auburn customers.

The city of Auburn intends to draft a letter to Centro formalizing its opposition against the proposed cuts. Mayor Michael Quill said he will reinstate that position at an upcoming public hearing on Monday at Auburn City Hall.

"It's for folks who work different hours in Syracuse," Quill said. "It's a way for them to commute back and forth."

Quill found unanimous support from his fellow councilors. Councilor Debby McCormick said many people rely on the service on a daily basis as public transportation, she said, is a fundamental part of city life.

"It's ridiculous that they're cutting public transportation," she said.

Councilor Peter Ruzicka said he believes the state government will most likely provide additional funding for this service given the amount of public reaction the situation has garnered.

Indeed, state legislators in Albany recently agreed to bolster Centro's budget by $25 million to close the gap, though action is pending approval from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to Syracuse.com.

"It is desperately needed not just here in the city, but throughout central New York," Ruzicka said.

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As public hearing looms, Auburn councilors oppose Centro service cuts to Cayuga County