Last year, Carol Schulz, a technologist in URMC’s Clinical Toxicology Lab, decided to turn her frustration into a solution.

“I know that, as Rochester’s largest employer, the University is working hard to deal with its parking capacity issues,” Schulz said. “But I was getting tired of the escalating cost of gas, the tight squeeze of three-deep spots, and the long walks in from my lot. I wanted to do something about it.”

Schulz attended a Regional Transit Service (RTS) town hall meeting and proposed that the company consider offering a direct route between URMC and Greece.

“It made so much sense,” she said. “Greece is one of the largest towns in Monroe County, and practically a straight-shot up 390.”

RTS and the University had already entered discussions about the possibility of direct park ‘n rides, and when Schulz provided a list of 50 employees who were interested in giving such a shuttle a try, plans were hastened to pilot the service in Greece. Schulz, together with nearly two dozen other employees, has been riding the route – dubbed the “S1 Express” – since it launched on Monday, Feb. 2.

“The Ashley Furniture lot, where I park, is well plowed and offers ample parking,” she said. “I’m pretty pleased. The shuttle is prompt, the seating is comfortable, and the ambiance is quiet, with most passengers reading the paper or a book while sipping their coffee.” ** (PLEASE NOTE: THE ASHLEY FURNITURE LOT IS NO LONGER AN S1 STOP. SEE UPDATED SCHEDULE, LINKED HERE.)

Schulz hopes other folks will try a ride in. “I bet they’ll be pleasantly surprised,” she said. “The door-the-door service is a real convenience, especially in the winter.”

If the pilot proves successful and demand warrants, RTS will not only consider adding more runs (offering more pick-up and drop-off times to choose from), but will potentially launch similar park ‘n rides between URMC and other towns. To learn more about this direct service between Greece and URMC, click here.