Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Pat Ryan have announced the launch of a new study aimed at improving transit services for communities west of the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley. The initiative, called the West of Hudson Transit Study, will be led by the New York State Department of Transportation with support from ICF International.
The study will focus on enhancing bus service, strengthening connections to existing rail lines and ferries, and identifying ways to offer more direct rides into the New York City metropolitan area. It also aims to reduce travel times by finding places where roadway infrastructure improvements can help transit vehicles avoid congestion.
“For many years, Hudson Valley residents living west of the Hudson River have asked for better transit connections to New York City and throughout the region, and the West of Hudson Transit Study will give us the roadmap to deliver just that,” Governor Hochul said. “The Hudson Valley’s landscape is multi-faceted — urban, suburban and rural — and we know there are gaps in the region’s transportation infrastructure. With this study, we will do a forensic analysis of where these gaps are, the best methods to fix them, and provide a clear plan on how to deliver improved transit for Hudson Valley residents on both sides of the river.”
Representative Pat Ryan stated: “For far too long, residents west of the Hudson have been stuck with exhausting commutes into New York City, unreliable transit options, and a transportation system that simply hasn’t kept up with the needs of our growing communities. I’ve been pushing relentlessly to change that, and I’m proud to help deliver the West of Hudson Transit Study as a direct result of that fight. We’ve waited long enough. This is about taking action to ensure our region finally gets the attention and investment it deserves — and I’m proud to work with Governor Hochul to deliver.”
The study area covers Orange County, Rockland County, Sullivan County, Ulster County, as well as connections from those counties to Dutchess County, Putnam County, Westchester County, and New York City. The project will examine local bus routes, regional commuter buses, microtransit options such as flexible shared rides in smaller vehicles within neighborhoods or towns not served by traditional fixed-route buses or trains (https://www.transit.dot.gov/ntd/data-product/microtransit-service-type), ferry services connecting commuters across rivers or waterways (https://www.ferry.nyc/about-us/), and possible enhancements along existing rail corridors.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said: “The demographics are changing in the Hudson Valley, and with an increased population the transportation needs of residents, commuters, weekend visitors and rural access need to be studied as there are opportunities for improvement in getting residents where they safely need to go, especially to places like New York City that they should be able to get to quickly and efficiently. The West of Hudson Transit Study will explore the many different ways that regional transportation options can be improved to meet the diverse needs of such a large commuter population.”
During its initial phase, officials will assess current conditions facing all forms of transit operating in mid- and lower-Hudson Valley areas while confirming demand levels across each county included in this effort. Public engagement is expected through outreach plans seeking feedback from riders as well as input from community organizations; ideas collected during this process may influence final recommendations.
A stakeholder advisory committee chaired by Representative Ryan—comprised of community leaders from within participating counties—will offer guidance throughout development.
This new effort builds on other recent projects targeting better regional connectivity. For example: In January 2026 Governor Hochul launched an expanded shuttle service over Newburgh-Beacon Bridge linking directly with MTA Metro-North Railroad trains bound for Manhattan; since then weekday ridership has grown more than 75 percent despite challenging winter weather conditions (https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad). Additionally officials continue planning future upgrades for rapid bus service along routes such as those operated by Hudson Link, which connects key destinations between Rockland County (west) & Westchester County (east) via Mario Cuomo Bridge.
As part of ongoing improvements prompted by findings from this latest study some changes may occur before completion—for instance DOT staff have already begun surveying riders aboard commuter buses serving Ulster & Orange Counties so updated schedules offering more direct ‘one-seat’ trips into NYC can be developed soon.
According to its mission statement: “It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities…and supports economic well-being.” More information about their programs is available online or through travel resources such as 511NY.org.