CARMEL, NY – Putnam County’s new innovative Putnam On-Demand ride-hail and paratransit service was recognized with the prestigious Progress in Action award by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress at its 60th Anniversary Celebration held on September 16 in Poughkeepsie. The honor highlighted the new program’s regional significance, demonstrating how smart planning and innovation can address transportation challenges for seniors and others in a cost-effective way while improving residents’ overall quality of life.

Launched in May 2025, Putnam On-Demand is the first demand-response “microtransit” system in the Hudson Valley, emphasizing flexibility and cost for users who call or use their smartphone app to book a ride. Replacing one of the county’s least-efficient fixed bus routes, Putnam On-Demand allows riders to book door-to-door shared rides for $2.50 ($1.25 for seniors and students) with a vehicle fleet that includes two wheelchair-accessible vans. In just five months, the service has already more than doubled ridership while cutting per-ride costs in half. 

“Access to reliable public transportation has always been a challenge in suburban counties with different topographies and populations spread across many towns and villages,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “With Putnam On-Demand, we found a creative and affordable solution that not only connects people to jobs, critical healthcare appointments, and schools, but also reduces costs on county taxpayers thanks to outside funding. Accepting this recognition from Pattern for Progress affirms what we already know: our transit solution is making a real difference in the lives of seniors and disabled New Yorkers and serves as a model that can inspire communities across the Hudson Valley.”

Byrne accepted the award alongside Putnam County Planning Commissioner Barbara Barosa and other members of the county team. Pattern for Progress commended the program for its innovative use of technology and regional significance, noting that it could serve as a model for other municipalities in the state. Earlier this year, Byrne pledged in his State of the County address to continue to “work diligently to identify gaps in access, which includes paratransit services, and explore creative ways to best serve our residents.”

Putnam On-Demand is offered in partnership with TransitTechprovider Via and serves parts of Patterson, Carmel, and Southeast. The program complements Putnam’s existing transit network by giving residents greater flexibility and access to destinations like Metro-North stations, shopping, schools, and medical appointments.

Anyone within the designated service zone can book a ride through the Putnam On-Demand app (available in the App Store or Google Play) or by calling 845-475-0557. Rides are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information about Putnam On-Demand, please visit http://city.ridewithvia.com/putnam-county.