TO: News Editors
DATE: March 3, 2026
CONTACT: Missy Smith, Director of Marketing and Community Development
607.734.6151 x122 or email SmithML@arcofcs.org
RE: The Arc Chemung-Schuyler Awarded Community Rides Grant for Schuyler County Transit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Elmira, NY | Watkins Glen, NY –
The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is pleased to announce it has been awarded an $80,000 grant through the National Rural Transit Assistance Program’s Community Rides Grant Program.
The funding will support The Arc Chemung-Schuyler’s Community Rides project which aims to expand rural transportation access in Schuyler County, via Schuyler County Transit, by addressing first- and last-mile challenges. The initiative will extend Dial-a-Ride service hours, adjust intercounty routes, introduce Saturday service, and pilot fare-free rides to reduce barriers and increase access to employment, healthcare, and community activities.
“This is an exciting collaboration with Schuyler County Transit that wouldn’t be possible without the support of Schuyler County leaders and residents,” shared Dorthy Asbury, The Arc Chemung-Schuyler’s Director of Transportation. “The community still has many barriers to transportation and this project, piloting transportation solutions, is an excellent demonstration of how The Arc’s mission, vision, and values draw meaning from the community. We are thrilled to be able to give back to our community in important and impactful ways.”
Additional details about the implementation of the Community Rides project will be announced in the coming months.
ABOUT NATIONAL RTAP
National RTAP is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) technical assistance center providing free training, technical assistance, and resources to rural and Tribal transit providers. It supports transit agencies with a wide range of resources, like webinars, eLearning, peer networking, technology tools, and 1:1 technical assistance to support public transportation.
ABOUT THE ARC OF CHEMUNG-SCHUYLER
The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is a family-based organization, providing supports and services to more than 1,200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, across an 18-county service area. Learn more at www.arcofcs.org.
The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is a chapter of the state organization, The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York state. The 35 local Chapters of The Arc New York collectively support more than 60,000 people with disabilities and their families in every county of the state, and employ more than 30,000 people in the shared mission to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life. Founded by families more than 75 years ago, The Arc New York continues to be an influential advocate for the rights, opportunities, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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