Sullivan County residents can now save money using public transportation. 

When Patrycja Bak of Monticello clocks out of her shift at Walmart each day, she gets on the Move Sullivan bus to head home.

“It’s easier to get by than walking back and forth to home and back, especially in the heat,” Bak said. Bak is one of many Sullivan County residents who rely on the bus service, and she’s thrilled county leaders have made her life a little easier.

“Our ultimate goal is to get people into the economic zones and education, the ability to go to the community college and to the doctor’s office,” said Robert Doherty, chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

Following a unanimous vote by county legislators, the one-way fare of $2 is now 30 cents. That fee is being paid for by the county through Dec. 31, 2023.

“Inflation’s high. We felt that we had, we wanted to give something back to the taxpayers, and the way we did that was by eliminating the fare on the Move Sullivan line,” Doherty said.

Bak said not having to pay fares is allowing her to save money.

“It helps you keep the job. It helps you get your groceries done. It helps you get you what you have to do with your chores,” Bak said.

The bus service has proven to be a lifeline for people who do not have cars, such as Bak. According to the Sullivan County Manager’s Office, about 121 riders use the Move Sullivan bus per day with the top reasons being for shopping and employment. The office said people who cannot afford a car or other means of transportation primarily rely on it.

“I would be stranded. I wouldn’t be able to get to work. After work, I would be exhausted from work by every day walking,” Bak said.

While the free cost and convenience are major reasons to utilize the bus, Bak said she enjoys it for another purpose as well.

“When you take the bus, you get to relax and enjoy the nice outdoorness and the sky,” Bak said.

Doherty said they plan to continue expanding upon Move Sullivan’s offerings.