To the editor:
Another publication ran an article about the negative impact that high gas prices have had on public service agencies such as Centro and Oswego County Opportunities (OCO). Both serve many people who would otherwise have no way to get around, especially OCO. OCO’s budget is limited when compared to that of Centro. However, this doesn’t change the fact that as fuel prices continue to skyrocket, more people will be forced to use mass transit.

Oftentimes I leave my car at home and take the bus to my doctor or run other errands. I’m not alone and have noticed that many others do so, especially the passengers who use Centro. There’s a transfer point at the Department of Social Services (DSS) in Mexico where anyone who takes OCO or Centro can switch to another bus. I can’t tell you how much I saved because of this.

As fuel prices continue to climb, wouldn’t it be prudent for Centro and OCO to join together, not only to save money but also to provide additional services to the people of Oswego County? Centro is larger and serves the Oswego metro area, whereas OCO serves many rural parts of our community. I can’t think of a better partnership. The benefits of such a venture would include:

1. Expanded service could be provided where public transportation is limited. For example, OCO does not have bus runs at night or on weekends, and there are many communities that don’t have buses at all. This could change.

2. Such an effort would make it possible for those who are unemployed, many of whom cannot afford their own vehicles, to look for work and remain employed once they find jobs.

3. As more people utilize mass transit, our roads will be less congested and there will be less pollution.

4. The seniors and disabled of this county, many of whom may not be able to drive, will have a way to get around.

5. This program could save money for Centro and OCO if they pooled resources. With proper planning and advertising, such a program would pay for itself.

Until our elected representatives do something about the corporate greed that is behind high gas prices, the economy will worsen. Those who live in rural areas will be isolated and the jobless rate will increase. Those who have public transportation now may not have it in the future, depending on where they reside.

I would encourage Centro and OCO to work together to provide better public transportation for ALL residents of Oswego County.

Diana Manwaring
Pulaski