Last year,Chenango County public transit buses were parked, awaiting a new transit service for the area. This year, Chenango County officials welcome the return of public transportation to begin with a Grand Opening on Monday, March 9, 2026. The new transit system, Cathay Express Transportation will offer a fare-free day to experience and learn the bus. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH — Chenango County officials recently announced the return of public transportation to begin Monday, March 9, bringing back a vital community resource for Chenango County residents.

The March 9th launch welcomes the new transportation provider, Cathay Express Transportation and represents months of planning, fleet inspections and maintenance to ensure a safe and reliable transit system.

County officials explained the additional preparation time was mandatory to bring the system back after an extended service interruption.

"This Grand Opening is about doing it right," said Chenango County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Blanchard. "Our focus has been on safety, reliability, and making sure the system is fully ready to serve residents when it opens."

Blanchard also noted the first day will offer a fare-free day to allow everyone to experience the service and learn the routes.

Regular fare for Individual passengers will vary from $0.50 to $3.00 per ride and a monthly passenger pass will be between $20 to $40.

Cathay Express Transportation Chief Operating Officer John Isamov said, “Cathay Express Transportation is proud to partner with Chenango County to bring public transit back to the community.”

“We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and accessible transportation and look forward to serving Chenango County residents,” said Isamov.

The new service will have four to five buses running daily to provide access to a variety of daily living needs such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, employment, and more.

Officials said additional information regarding routes, schedules, and fares will be released ahead of the launch date and can be found at on the County’s website: https://www.chenangocountyny.gov/424/Chenango-County-Transit-System as well as posted throughout the county at public locations.

The transit system is funded through Federal and State transportation grants and under the current contract with Cathay Express, no local taxpayer dollars will be used for funding.

However, officials did note there may come a point in time when that will no longer be the case.

The final cost to be estimated at just under 2 million dollars, at $1,977,300 and will have the option of continuing the program with one year renewals after the first two.

Chenango County residents have been without public transportation since December 2024, when the cost became too high for taxpayers and the county terminated its contract with the previous transit system, Transdev.