(Wednesday September 4th, 2024) PLATTSBURGH, NY – The City of Plattsburgh is planning to open an interim “Downtown Transportation Center” that will serve as a hub for regional bus services such as FlixBus (Greyhound) and Trailways. This initiative aims to retain and improve access to affordable and sustainable transportation options for residents, visitors, and travelers. The aim of the transportation center is to centralize passenger drop off and pick up in a secure sheltered location with basic amenities within the City of Plattsburgh. This interim location is proposed to be the former Farmer’s Market building located at 22 Durkee St. Final approval to move forward will depend on Council approval.
“We are thrilled to launch this welcome center in partnership with FlixBus and Trailways to bring this Downtown Transportation Center to the heart of Historic Plattsburgh,” said Mayor Christopher Rosenquest. “This project is an important step in enhancing connectivity for our community, offering more travel options for residents and visitors alike, and supporting the economic growth and vitality of our city.”
“When Greyhound first approached my office, internally we discussed the potential use of that building. But because of concerns over potential site development, community pushback over the current Farmer’s Market location, and because that facility hasn't been used in several years, we put the idea on the backburner,” adds Rosenquest. “Considering our very limited option, we felt it appropriate to look at using this location in the short term while planning for a long term solution.”
CENTER PROPOSAL
FlixBus, which purchased Greyhound in 2021, and Trailways, leading providers of long-distance bus transportation in North America, have proposed leasing space in Plattsburgh to establish an intercity bus stop along their routes between New York City and Montreal. The proposed services will utilize standard 56-seater coach buses and include five-minute stops for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
“Our mission is to keep communities connected and help drive affordable and sustainable travel for everyone,” said Francesca Waldman, Team Lead Public Affairs at Flix North America Inc, in a memo dated August 14th. “We believe the new Plattsburgh bus stop will greatly benefit residents by enabling car-free travel to major cities throughout the Northeast.
In a letter to the City Mayor, Nicolas Crist, Vice President of Operation for Trailways communicated the company’s “desire to have the ability to establish a centralized Downtown location that will serve as a pick-up and drop-off location for [their] transportation service.” and that “ [s]uch a stop would benefit the many residents, travelers, and students in Plattsburgh.”
TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATION
The City is also in discussions with other transportation providers to explore additional options for service locations. The transportation center is seen as a temporary solution to address the growing demand for reliable and accessible transportation services in Plattsburgh. “After all said and done, it’s clear to my office that a regional transportation center, much like the one built at the County Airport, is in need and providers are willing to pay,” adds Rosenquest. “With these two providers using this temporary solution, it seems our responsibility is to identify the demands of the market and our community and come up with a solution that works - rather than trying to shoehorn a solution because of previously held ideals. Moving forward, it’s my hope that leadership can come together after having now identified a real demand, to create a regionally significant solution that serves all stakeholders.”
In an email to County officials, the Mayor extended the use of this newly formed Transportation Center for CCPT as well.
NEXT STEPS
Members of the Common Council were presented with an outline of this solution along with the draft licensing agreement and letters of interest from transportation providers. “I sent a memo and outlined this solution with Council via email. Aside from a couple of minor changes received by members of the Council, what’s been presented is expected to be supported,” adds Rosenquest.
The Downtown Transportation Center center is expected to begin operations in September 2024, with one-year lease agreements in place starting with the two companies. The City looks forward to working with all partners involved to create a transportation hub that enhances regional connectivity and serves the community’s needs.
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