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Ulster County Area Transit, or "UCAT," provides an affordable way to get around the County, as well as to connect with public transit in Dutchess and Orange counties. The County's fleet of 39 buses transport riders on 33 different routes, traversing 6,000 miles per day. UCAT also provides paratransit service to people with disabilities living within 1.5 miles of a fixed bus route.
Following the County Legislature's decision in October 2022 to offer free fares — the first County to do so — UCAT has broken ridership records year after year. In 2024, ridership surpassed the half-million mark for the first time at 540,974 total rides — an 82% increase over pre-fare-free numbers. The first half of 2025 saw ridership continue to increase by 12% over the same period the previous year. UCAT is meeting a need, and we view our public bus service as an important investment in our community and economy, enabling people to get to work, college, the grocery store, and other destinations. Bus service also provides independence to many seniors who no longer drive, and it's great for the climate and air quality, reducing reliance on single-passenger vehicles.
About three-quarters of UCAT’s funding for both operations and capital investments comes from state and federal sources. State funding increases as ridership increases, and the gains in ridership from offering free service have offset the loss of revenue from fares.
The County also leads the region in transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet. The County has five full-sized electric buses and three small electric buses, and continues to purchase electric buses to replace older buses as they age out. County Executive Metzger, working with the Legislature, set a target of achieving a fully electric fleet by 2035. The County, in partnership with the New York Power Authority, also recently completed installation of 480 rooftop solar panels on UCAT’s main building and garage — producing more than 220,000 kWh of renewable energy annually to power electric buses. The project also received NYSERDA funding and a state grant secured by County Executive Metzger when she was a State Senator.
Our Work to Make UCAT Service Even Better!
As more residents rely on UCAT for daily transportation, the County is working to ensure the system is not only expanding but also better aligned with community needs. Through the UCAT Route Optimization Plan, the Ulster County Planning Department and the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) have been assessing how UCAT’s routes and schedules can be improved to better serve riders across the County, based on public input as well as data analysis.
The team is now testing route changes in the field to see how proposed ideas work in practice. This real-world testing will help shape a new and improved bus system that’s easier to use, more reliable, and better connected to where people live, work, and go to school. A Draft Implementation Plan is expected to be shared with the public later this year.
The Ulster County Fair Returns - Now Through Sun. Aug. 3
It's Ulster County Fair time, today through Sunday, August 3! When you head through the parking lot to purchase your fair tickets, be sure to check out the Mobile Museum of Tolerance — a new addition to the fair sponsored by the Ulster County Department of Human Rights.
This interactive museum on wheels is located near the ticketing booths along the fence and features a variety of programs, including:
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The Story of Anne Frank — Tues 7/29 at 4PM & 6:30PM | Weds 7/30–Sun 8/3 at 10AM, 1:30PM, 4PM & 6:30PM
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Civil Rights — Tues 7/29 at 4:30PM & 7PM | Weds 7/30–Sun 8/3 at 10:30AM, 2PM, 4:30PM & 7PM
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The Power of Ordinary People —Tues 7/29 at 5PM & 7:30PM | Weds 7/30–Sun 8/3 at 12PM, 2:30PM, 5PM & 7:30PM
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Open House — Tues 7/29 & Fri 8/1 at 8PM & 8:30PM
The Sensory Safe Space will also be back at the fair this year! The room is designed for families with a child with autism or any individual with sensory sensitivity, offering a break from the bright lights, noise, crowds, and the summer heat.
Adults & Teens – Join Us for a Workshop to Learn About Healthy Relationships!
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Learn ways to keep yourself healthy in the many parts of your life, engage in discussions and activities related to maintaining healthy relationships with others and yourself.
🗓️ Weds., Aug. 6 & 13
🕖 10 AM - 12 PM
📍 Broadway Bubble (718 Broadway, Kingston)
Free to attend - drop-ins welcome! Refreshments will be available.
RVSP: jill@kingstonmidtownrising.org.
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Join Us on the Free Nature Bus on Saturdays!
The Ulster County Nature Bus runs every Saturday through the end of September and is completely FREE for both transportation and admission to parks and preserves. Nature Bus destinations are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
🗓️ Sat., Aug. 2
📍River Route — The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
🗓️ Sat., Aug. 9
📍Ridge Route — From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Make the most of your trip by wearing appropriate footwear, and don’t forget to bring water. Each bus has a bike rack (first-come, first-served), and helmets are required when biking in state parks. Only service animals are allowed. For questions, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
Upcoming Public Listening Session for Behavioral Health Needs Assessment
The Ulster County Department of Mental Health, in coordination with the Community Services Board and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), is advancing its Countywide Behavioral Health Needs Assessment with a community listening session:
🗓️ Sun., Aug. 10
🕖 3:30 – 5 PM
📍Saint James Church (29 Pearl St., Kingston)
This session is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ulster County’s behavioral health system, making it more responsive, equitable, and accessible to all. Residents, service providers, caregivers, and community partners are invited to share their stories, challenges, and ideas. Input gathered will directly inform a five-year strategic plan shaping future policies, investments, and programs.
The Aug. 10 listening session will include free food, and Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available. Sensory rooms will also be provided to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.
Community Members & Employers in Ulster County - Take Our Survey!
The Ulster County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is proud to be selected as the first WDB to receive the Rural Welcoming Initiative Fellowship by Welcoming America — a recognition of the Board's commitment to supporting newcomers to the County — whether they're from another county, state, or part of the world. As part of the initiative, the WDB is planning a welcoming celebration during the week of Sept. 12-21.
Your thoughts and feedback are needed for the Ulster County Workforce Development Board's Welcoming Week Celebration! Complete our survey before Thurs., July 31, if you are:
2025 I Voted Sticker Contest - Vote Today!
Vote for your favorite 'I Voted' design by Fri., Aug. 15, for the upcoming November election. The winning design will be announced in September and given to voters at the polls in November. Visit the County’s Board of Elections website to cast your vote for the best design today!
Note: the system only allows one vote per household IP address– you may need to use a smartphone using cellular data if someone at home has already voted using your IP address.
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