Resources
Our Transportation System - Who does What?
Planning, building and maintaining our extensive transportation network is a complex undertaking that involves all levels of government. For a detailed description of the roles performed by each entity, click here
Transportation Planning
A wealth of transportation data is available through the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the US Department of Transportation, and from the Transportation Research Board, a nonprofit institution that is part of the National Research Council.
The New York State Department of Transportation provides a variety of services, and operates a regional office (Region 4) that covers the same seven-county area as ACT Rochester.
The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) is our federally-mandated Metropolitan Planning Organization. It is governed through a 27-member policy board of representatives from state, county, and local governments, and from transportation organizations. Through its staff, the GTC performs several mandated activities, including the following:
In addition to its mandatory functions, the GTC conducts studies and maintains a website that is jam-packed with valuable transportation resources. Among these are:
The GTC provides a list of transportation projects selected to receive funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, more commonly known as the federal stimulus package.
The Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council offers county transportation profiles for each area county.
Transportation Agencies
Public transit services in our region are provided primarily through the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA). RGRTA provides for overall planning of public transportation, and manages several operating systems, including:
RGRTA's 2009-10 Comprehensive Plan contains detailed goals and service performance measures.
The only regional public transit service that is not operated by RGRTA is Ontario County's County Area Transit Service (C.A.T.S.), which offers several fixed routes and Dial-a-Ride service.
Medical Motor Service is a nonprofit organization that provides transportation services to a range of special needs customers.
Rail service is currently provided to the region by Amtrak at Rochester. For additional information about Amtrak, click here. Specific information is available about the Rochester Station. The NY State Department of Transportation has information regarding the 2009 State Rail Plan, which calls for upgrades to both passenger and freight service.
The Greater Rochester International Airport provides scheduled air service by numerous carriers. The airport is owned and operated by Monroe County.
The Erie Canal is managed by the New York State Canal Corporation.
To learn more about current and planned trails in our region, see the GTC Regional Trails Initiative studies, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 deals with Monroe County and the inner sections of Livingston, Ontario and Wayne Counties. Phase 2 includes a nine- county area (the seven counties of ACT Rochester, plus Seneca and Yates).
Maintenance of much of the area's road network falls to area counties. Following are links to the various highway or public works departments.
Community Resources
The Center for Disability Rights provides numerous support and advocacy services, including advocating for access to public transit.
The Rochester Rail Transit Committee advocates for the development of rail transit options.
Rochester Trolley & Rail Corporation advocates the establishment of a network of rail-based heritage trolley lines, primarily to meet recreational and tourism needs.
The Genesee Region Trails Coalition advocates for the development and maintenance of multi-use trails in our region. The coalition represents numerous local trails groups.
The Rochester Bicycling Club promotes recreational biking in our region.
Rochester Environment.com, a private website, provides information and links on transportation and the environment.
Roc Wiki refers to itself as the "people's guide to Rochester." The Roc Wiki Transportation section provides a grassroots view of out transportation system.
The New York State Transportation Museum, located in the Town of Rush offers educational exhibits and rides on both a restored electric trolley and a diesel train.
Our Transportation System - Who does What?
Planning, building and maintaining our extensive transportation network is a complex undertaking that involves all levels of government. The following is a summary of the roles played by the various entities.
The US Government: The federal Department of Transportation coordinates a comprehensive system of transportation planning and financing. This system is established under the current legislation know as the Safe, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). SAFETEA-LU provides funding and establishes regulations for a wide array of transportation systems: highways, bridges, transit, rail and freight, ferries, air transport, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. While the federal government does directly manage some transportation functions, most notably in the area of aviation, much of its function is implemented through states, localities and transportation authorities.
New York State: The State performs several critical roles: it fosters statewide and regional planning; it receives and distributes various flows of federal funding; and it directly owns and maintains transportation facilities. In our region, the NY Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans, builds and owns most expressway-type highways and an additional network of through highways. Two other State- chartered organizations provide important services here: the New York State Thruway Authority owns and maintains the Thruway; and the New York State Canal Corporation owns and operates the Erie Canal.
Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages: These units own and maintain roads and streets that are not part of the State network. Our cities and villages are generally solely responsible for the streets in their jurisdiction, while towns and counties usually share the responsibility in the towns. Monroe County also owns and operates the Greater Rochester International Airport, our region's only airport offering scheduled passenger service.
Transportation Authorities: New York State law authorizes several regional authorities to operate public transit systems. The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) operates several such services in our region.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): To foster central planning, coordination and a comprehensive approach to allocating funds, federal legislation requires the formation and operation of a regional planning entity. The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) performs that function in our area.
Banner photo provided by Rochester Downtown Development Corp.