Maxine James said she moved from Brooklyn to Newburgh during the COVID-19 pandemic, and still believes the public transportation services are critical for New Yorkers. 

Near the Target in Newburgh, they have four different buses, James said.

"South, north, two south and two north, and they go all over and they’re always crowded," she said.

It's not just people who live within New York City limits. Residents in and around the Hudson Valley rely on buses and railroads too. 

Howard Gribbin is experiencing homelessness. Gribbin told Spectrum News 1 that regardless of which service you prefer, public transportation should be accessible for everyone. 

“All public transportation should be free because that way, you can get a job," Gribbin said. "And you can go looking for a job... Shelter and transportation are the most important thing.”

According to MTA, 3.2 million people ride the subway daily, while 1.4 million passengers take the bus in New York.

The state Department of Transportation reports more than $8 million supports the operational needs of the statewide transportation system.

That's why James Morrel, president of the New York Public Transportation Association, said he hopes Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature consider a 15% increase in her executive budget to assist the public transportation system.

“We don’t want to raise fares," Morrel said. "We’re not going to raise fares... Any additional money that’s put on the backs of individuals that are your transit-dependent is really bad.”

In the meantime, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has implemented a free bus fare inititiatve for residents in Middletown and Newburgh until December. Neuhaus said as long as people continue taking the bus, he hopes to keep the free services going.

“The impact of people not having a job, the people that are like, 'You know what, I’m not going to be able to go to school, I’m not going to be able to go to SUNY Orange, or I might not be able to go to school today because I have a ride,' and now having that bus every 20 minutes or on a regular basis... that makes it worth it to me," Neuhaus said.