If you’re planning on going to the New York State Fair, you’re probably also planning how you’ll get there.

Centro buses are helping people skip the traffic by the fairgrounds, despite a driver shortage.

What You Need To Know

  • Centro is operating at three locations for fair pick-ups this year due to driver shortages

  • Centro is operating at Destiny USA, Long Branch Park, and the Centro Transit Hub Downtown

  • It’s $2 for adults, and $1 for seniors, children ages 6-9 and people with disabilities

Kyianna Mathis says she’s been driving buses for 17 years. As a single mom of five children, she says her job is a blessing.

“It’s allowed me to put two in college, and raise children and support them,” Mathis said.

However, there are driver shortages, which is why Centro staff say they are only operating at three locations this year.

On Saturday, Mathis took riders from Long Branch Park to the New York State Fairgrounds. One of her riders, Griffin Watson of Liverpool, says he takes the bus to skip the traffic.

“I’ve parked there once and never again,” Watson said. “It’s pretty bad, especially if you go at a weird time. You have to take a bus just to get to the front entrance anyway so it’s so much easier.”

Watson says he’s not really worried about COVID-19, as he takes the bus.

“I feel safe,” Watson said. “I’m fully vaccinated so I don’t really have worries about it.”

Centro is taking precautions anyway; requiring masks and handing them out to those who need them.

“You want to make people feel as comfortable as possible in this climate that we’re in,” Mathis said.

Centro is operating at Destiny USA, Long Branch Park and the Centro Transit Hub Downtown.

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