Putnam On-Demand Transit Service Expands To Philipstown And Putnam Valley

CARMEL, NY — The public transit system in Putnam County is getting set to go the extra mile

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that Putnam On-Demand, the County’s innovative app-based public transportation service, will expand into the Towns of Philipstown and Putnam Valley, marking the program’s first service expansion since its launch in May 2025.

The expansion is among the first recommendations to be implemented from the county’s comprehensive transit study, which evaluated transportation needs across Putnam County and identified opportunities to modernize and improve mobility.

Since debuting in May 2025, Putnam On-Demand has provided app-based transportation throughout Patterson and portions of Southeast and Carmel, allowing riders to request trips on demand rather than relying solely on traditional fixed-route bus schedules.

The expansion into Philipstown and Putnam Valley addresses a challenge that has existed for decades. The hilly terrain, winding roads, and lower-density development patterns in western Putnam County have made traditional bus service difficult to provide efficiently. The flexibility of Putnam On-Demand offers a better solution, connecting residents to employment, healthcare, shopping, recreation, and other essential destinations.

“From day one, we said Putnam On-Demand was just the beginning—not the finish line,” County Executive Kevin Byrne said at kickoff event this week. “This expansion is another example of Putnam County embracing innovation to improve quality of life while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Traditional bus service simply wasn’t designed for communities like Putnam Valley and Philipstown. Demand-responsive transit gives residents the flexibility they deserve while making our public transportation system more efficient and more accessible.”

A number of residents who’ve been advocating for public transit in their town also attended the press conference.

"My son is on the autism spectrum and he’ll be 20 years of age this coming week," Clive Cronin of Putnam Valley said. "This system is very important to people with special needs in our community. It gives them independence that they can go through their lives, go shopping, go to the movies, my son goes to the gym in Jefferson Valley… yes this will be wonderful for him, for all of us."

The transit study concluded that expanding microtransit into western Putnam County, allowing for rides just outside the county to places like Jefferson Valley, Somers Commons, and Shrub Oak Shopping Center would provide more reliable and cost-effective service than extending conventional fixed-route buses into areas where geography has historically limited transit options.

“Putnam On-Demand is going to be a game changer for Putnam Valley,” Legislator Bill Gouldman said. “Our community has unique transportation challenges, and traditional bus routes have never fully met those needs. Putnam On-Demand is a practical, common-sense solution that will give residents greater independence and better access to services throughout the county. I appreciate County Executive Byrne for making this expansion a priority.”

Byrne will ask the County Legislature to fund the program as part of his 2027 Budget Proposal.

“For years, many of us have talked about the need for a transportation option that actually works for Putnam Valley,” said Putnam Valley Town Board Member Christian Russo. “This isn’t simply expanding a service area—it’s creating new opportunities for residents who have often been underserved by traditional public transit. I’m grateful that County Executive Byrne listened to our community and turned that vision into reality.”