Akin to public transportation/transit services, commuter services also provide a transportation “bridge” for people, especially daily commuters. However, the types of services and service solutions appear to lean more toward the innovative (ridesharing and express bus service), rather than traditional service (fixed route bus). Reflecting the national trend toward high mobility, commuting regionally and out of state has become commonplace for York County residents. Thus, planning for such services demands coordination among several or many entities regionally, statewide or with other states.
COMMUTER SERVICES OF PENNSYVANIA
Also known as the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Partnership (SRTP), Commuter Services is a professionally-staffed organization funded by Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. The SRTP Board is composed of MPO, transit authority and chamber of commerce membership representing seven counties in south central Pennsylvania. Through its free services, the staff members work to reduce traffic congestion by helping commuters fund alternatives (e.g., carpooling), other than driving alone, and by reaching out to employers so they can help their workforce find those options. Using alternatives also helps improve air quality, and fewer cars in rush hour can also mean safer highways. For further information about this service, please go the Commuter Services website, or contact Brandy Heilman-Sweitzer, Executive Director.
PARK AND RIDE LOT LOCATIONS
For commuter services to provided, logical termini must be provided for commuters to park/stow their vehicles and/or meet with their carpool connections or other transportation services/modes. These termini or facilities are commonly known as “park and ride lots” Several such “park and lots” exist in areas of York County, such as Shrewsbury, Yocumtown, Dillsburg and Emigsville. The Air Quality Subcommittee Report for the 2009-2035 Long Range Transportation Plan has identified seven other potential sites as well. Implementing such measures will definitely aid in the improvement of air quality within a county or region. The Air Quality Needs Report identifies the need for improving air quality within York County.
EXPRESS BUS SERVICE
In June 2006, rabbittransit commenced with the operation of the rabbitEXPRESS bus service from the greater York area to downtown Harrisburg City. This service is provided Monday through Friday. In February 2009, rabbitEXPRESS was activated between the greater York area and northern Maryland, around the Hunt Valley area.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority or “CAT” also operates commuter express bus service from Dillsburg Borough to downtown Harrisburg City.
PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE
Currently, no light, heavy or commuter passenger/commuter services operate within York County. Only passenger limited excursion rail service is operated by the Maryland Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society in southeast quadrant of the County. However, national commuter rail service is available in both Lancaster and Harrisburg Cities. This service is provided by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or “AMTRAK.”
