Three out of 10 people in Newburgh don’t own a car, according to Newburgh’s Transportation Advisory Committee. And U.S. census data says nearly one in four community members in Newburgh live at or below the poverty level.

Newburgh is offering free bus service now until the end of March to help those who are most in need, get around safely.


What You Need To Know


  • Newburgh joins other cities in the region to offer 100% free public bus rides; the pilot program is expected to run until the end of March

  • The goal is to create a more equitable and safe transport system for everyone, especially low-income community members or those without a car

  • The Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee is working with Orange County Transportation to keep track of ridership numbers in the hopes of continuing the program beyond March

Marianne Marichal is hitting the pavement on this day to spread the word.

“We have this free fare pilot running through the end of March,” said Marichal, the chair of the group’s bus subcommittee, to a woman waiting at the bus stop.

Newburgh is joining other cities in the region like Kingston and Beacon to offer 100% free public bus rides. Audrey Hancock is a regular rider who relies on the bus to get to the grocery store or mall.

“I am a senior now, and every little bit that I can save helps,” Hancock said.

The goal is to create a more equitable and safe transport system for everyone.

Another regular bus rider, Jeffrey Stenglein, says he doesn’t own a car, and that the free buses are a help financially. He’s now saving anywhere from $20 to $40 a month, depending on his needs.

For Marichal, this work is personal. She’s a bus rider herself.

“I talk to the other riders. I find out what their needs are. I know that my needs are to get to stores,” Marichal said. “The routes themselves need to be expanded.”

Marichal says she’s thrilled more people have been riding Newburgh buses. The pilot program is expected to last until March 31. Her hope is that it continues for years to come.

“The cab fares have gone up. They [cabs] have become inaccessible to many, so we need this pilot program to continue,” Marichal said. “We’re just getting started. This pilot has been wonderful because it’s brought about the attention that Newburgh needs.”

The Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee is working with Orange County Transportation to keep track of ridership numbers. Their goal is to use that data to push state and federal partners to continue to support its free bus program.