Belmont, NY – At their October 23, 2024, Legislative Board meeting, the Allegany County Board of Legislators approved a Public Transportation Services Agreement with Cattaraugus County for coordinating the operation and administration of the Olean Area Transit System (OATS) for a three-year term commencing on January 1, 2025, and remaining in effect through December 31, 2027. Access Allegany, the public transportation system in Allegany County, is managed by Mobility Managers Ardent Solutions who also plans to manage OATS. The agreement, first requested by Cattaraugus County leadership in June 2023, will be considered by the Cattaraugus County Board of Legislators in November.
Allegany County recognizes the importance and critical need for keeping the Olean Area Transit System viable, as it is an integral part of the regional public transportation system across the Southern Tier. As a rural area in Western New York, we are fortunate to have access to mobility services for the residents of Allegany County, as well as those in the Olean area to meet their needs with access to food, healthcare, human services, employment, education, and many more opportunities that support their social and healthcare needs.
With support of New York State Department of Transportation and reassurance from Cattaraugus County Legislative Chairman M. Andrew Burr, the Allegany County Board of Legislators feels confident in their decision to approve this plan. During a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 26, 2024, Chairman Burr assured Board members that this merger will not burden Allegany County taxpayers and expressed that Cattaraugus County would pay their costs.
According to Carrie Whitwood of Ardent Solutions, “By integrating the two systems together we will build on the framework and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transportation services in the area by reducing service duplications, identifying and addressing service gaps, extending the range of services available throughout the area, maximizing interagency cooperation, and prioritizing future mobility strategies. Overall, we will promote the safe and effective delivery of public transportation in our communities and will make more efficient use of public and private resources.”
For riders of either transportation system, be confident that this change will not make any immediate difference to the services provided in Allegany County or Cattaraugus County. Any future modifications will be well researched and communicated to the public.
