Candidates back volunteer drivers and microtransit to fill UCAT gaps in rural areas

When asked about public transportation, both candidates said UCAT's fixed routes are valuable but limited in a sparsely populated district. Robert Drake praised Catskill Neighbors, a volunteer driving program, and recommended county support for gas and dispatching; he said microtransit and a volunteer coordinator are likely the only realistic ways to improve mobility in Denning and Hardenberg.

Kathy Nolan agreed UCAT needs support to serve the large, rural county and said the county has pursued microtransit funding and should supplement volunteer programs with county resources, supervision and possible federal grants. Both candidates said they would not eliminate existing UCAT routes and favored integrating volunteer models with county planning.