On March 10, Chenango County residents sat in the Board of Supervisors meeting, holding signs to show their support and need for public transportation. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH - On Monday, March 10, about two dozen Chenango County residents rallied together outside the County Office Building in Norwich to raise awareness about the need for public transportation, as officials struggle to come up with a viable long term solution.

Residents held signs that read: “Public transit brings us together, Are you too old to drive, who will you call for help? We need our county transportation, Save Preston Manor,” and more.

In 2024 county officials were confronted by the impending loss of the area's transit company and officials submitted proposals for other transportation companies to consider filling the vacancy. Only one showed an interest and requested a $2 million per year contract. The county board opted not to fund the proposal with taxpayer funds and a decision was made to terminate the contract. The area has been left with a lack of public transportation since December.

One of the supporters wielding a sign was Chenango County resident and former middle and high school teacher, Bruce Bonney. He shared his reason behind joining the rally.

“On the budget calendar for this session of the board of supervisors there are issues about transportation in Chenango County,” said Bonney. “We're here to support the idea that the public needs transportation in order to survive, particularly those that can't get around easily.”