Communities along the 60-mile stretch between Irving and Salamanca, N.Y. can expect greater mobility due to a partnership between the Seneca Nation of Indians and First Transit. Beginning July 1, 2013, First Transit will begin operating a two-bus route under a contract with the largest Native American nation in New York State.

First Transit entered the surrounding Allegany and Cattaraugus counties when it began administering transportation for Olean Area Transit Services (OATS) in 2009.

In 2011, the Seneca Nation of Indians took notice of the company’s efficiency and customer service when they collaborated with the City of Olean to operate a service extension between Olean and Salamanca, explained GM Tom Donnarumma.

“We are especially pleased to debut an independent transportation solution for the Seneca Nation of Indians and look forward to transporting as many as 1,100 to 1,500 riders per month along the new route,” he said.

First Transit scored high in the bid for the one-year agreement, succeeding in a competitive rating process that included such categories as safety and service.