HOT ROUTE

Brown said the most popular route is the Northern Express run, which goes from Plattsburgh to Champlain and Rouses Point, including a stop at Wyeth/Akrimax Pharmaceuticals. That bus is usually three-quarters full, while others are usually half to one-quarter full.

While it's not often easy, Brown said, routes can be changed to accommodate demand.

As an example, he pointed to a group of City of Plattsburgh residents who teach at Northern Adirondack Central School. When 15 of them said they would use the bus, the county was able to change the route's schedule to get them to and from work on time.

Brown said his department does an annual survey but only of the system riders.

More people who own a vehicle are now taking the bus, he said, at least partly due to high gas prices.

The key to continuing to increase use is consistency, Brown said, so people know the buses will run on time.

TOWNS' ROLE

Saranac Town Councilor Gerald Delaney said towns could work to establish routes through the many hamlets and get people to a central stop in each town where they could catch the county bus.

Mulligan suggested towns could explore the purchase of school buses that are due to be replaced to establish those routes.

BUSINESS APPROACH

Kurtz said one goal should be to conduct a public-relations campaign to reduce or eliminate the stigma of using public transportation. Employers should also be encouraged to offer employees incentives to ride the bus.

Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Economic Development Susan Matton said those campaigns should target the people who use the bus, but employers should also conduct a campaign to encourage riders. She suggested they start with employers who are already on the bus routes, such as Wyeth/Akrimax and CVPH Medical Center.

The collaborative should also incorporate ride sharing into its plans, she said. That is already going on informally, as there are several places -- such as the intersection of Military Turnpike and Jersey Swamp Road -- where people park their cars and ride together.

She said public transportation is going to work if it's convenient, cost effective and suits people's needs.