To the Editor,
As a longtime resident of Rockland County, I feel compelled to speak out about an issue that impacts thousands of people daily — our broken public transportation system.
TOR (Transport of Rockland), the county’s primary bus service, is in desperate need of an overhaul. In 2025, it’s shocking that we still don’t have a mobile app to track routes or schedules, nor any integration with Google Maps. For many, especially younger commuters, this makes the system virtually unusable unless they happen to have a printed schedule on hand.
Then there’s the “flag-down” system — a policy that might have worked in the past but no longer meets today’s needs. Riders can stand on busy roads like Route 202 for half an hour or more, only to watch the bus pass by because it’s “not safe” to stop. Worse, there are no proper bus shelters or even benches. It’s not just inconvenient — it’s unsafe.
Rockland should take a serious look at modern redesigns, like this one, that offer wider coverage, fixed stops, and more efficient routing. It’s not just about making things easier — it’s about improving access, safety, and environmental impact.
We need to demand better. A well-designed public transit system would reduce traffic, cut down emissions, and provide a real alternative to car dependency. Rockland County deserves a 21st-century solution — not a system stuck in the past.
Sincerely,
Esty R
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review at monseyscoop@gmail.com.
The whole TOR bus system is a mess. They skip a lot of routes without notice. When are you call into dispatch, they just scream. You can’t rely on the bus for daily commute, if you have to get to work on time.
An app and all these upgrades wold be great. But first we need a reliable bus system to begin with!
Call the countey executive “ED DAY he is in charge for ” rockland ‘s busses TOR
Yes ! Yes! Yes!
As a regular bus rider I couldn’t have said this better.
What can be done? Are you proposing changes to theTOR Administration Office ?
Mention that it’s not a favor
To us to have a free of tariff policy if the drivers won’t stop!
This has happened so many times to me!
And not
Being punctual!!!
very true.
the 59 route officially has a bus running approximately every 20 minutes
however it’s an often occurrence to wait over an hour for a bus to pass by
and being that there is no tracking system you can’t even know when to expect the next bus
the lack of reliability makes the system pretty much useless for anyone needing to get to appointments, work, etc.
Thank you for this post, it is extremely true. Anyone who is interested in better public transportation and if you’re on Facebook I encourage you to join my group. It’s called RAD: Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving. Search for that and click join. We are fighting for better!
They need to fire the lazy ppl in the whole service, the busses needs to be on time, the schedule is a joke the drivers don’t care about it ENOUGH FROM THE FREE RIDE BUT CRAPPY SERVICE. PUT THE FARE ON. AND WE NEED A RELIABLE ON TIME AND PROFESIONAL SERVICE.. NO MORE FREE RIDES. BUT MISERABLE SERVICE. The people in charge needs to step on this issue ASAP..