ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A group of New York state lawmakers and the Regional Transit Service are calling for increased funding for public transportation in the final state budget.

Officials say the need to have reliable and affordable transportation options was only emphasized during the pandemic.

Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a 36% increase for downstate suburban systems and just a 13% increase for upstate systems.

Several state assembly members and senators are pushing to have the upstate funding match downstate at a 36% increase.

"Public transportation is more than a downstate issue," Senator Samra Brouk said in a statement. "Across our community, individuals and families rely on public transit to get to and from work, school, appointments, and more. This is especially true for Black and Brown communities, many of which have been historically neglected and have minimal resources within walking distance. Investing in transit means we are investing in families, jobs, education, and the overall wellness of our community. There must be parity between the funding that upstate and downstate transportation systems receive, and I’m proud to champion this effort alongside my colleagues in the Rochester delegation."

"RTS and bus systems like them keep our upstate cities moving," Senator Jeremy Cooney said in a statement. "Thousands of Rochesterians rely on RTS every day to travel to work and school, get to local shops and restaurants, and visit cultural attractions. I am proud to work with my colleagues in the legislature and with Governor Hochul to ensure investments in upstate transit systems are prioritized in the final budget."

The RTS is also asking for funding for a five-year capital plan to address growing capital and infrastructure needs to upgrade aging facilities and transition to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2035.

“Public transportation is the mobility safety net for so many in our community because they rely on us to get to work, school, medical appointments, the grocery store, and to pick up their children from daycare,” RTS CEO Bill Carpenter said in a statement. “Robust transit that is frequent, reliable, and connected drives job growth and economic recovery. It opens up access to critical mental health services. It helps people transition from poverty to prosperity. And it provides a lifeline for senior citizens who want to maintain their independence. I thank Governor Hochul and our representatives in the State Legislature for their support and ask that they include in the final budget the level of funding included in the one-house budgets from the Senate and Assembly.”