Geddes, NY -- Thousands of people waited in long lines to ride Centro Park-and-Ride buses from the fair after two major concerts let out around 10 p.m. Witnesses said people waited for nearly an hour to board the buses, which take fairgoers back to communities across three counties. No crashes were reported, and officials said it just appeared that the...
Geddes, NY -- Thousands of people waited in long lines to ride Centro Park-and-Ride buses from the fair after two major concerts let out around 10 p.m.
Witnesses said people waited for nearly an hour to board the buses, which take fairgoers back to communities across three counties.
No crashes were reported, and officials said it just appeared that the bus system was stretched by the huge number of people leaving all at once. Some 30,000 people attended two concerts featuring Justin Bieber and Lady Antebellum tonight. The day's attendance was 97,254.
A fair spokesman credited state police, the state Department of Transportation, Centro, the Thruway Authority and others for managing the crowds.
"For our perspective, everybody's working to move people in and out of the fairgrounds, and they're doing a great job," Fred Pierce said late tonight. "The cars are moving. The buses are moving."
He cited the high attendance at the two concerts for the delay, and added, "It was a great day at the fair."
Sheriff's deputies arrived and allowed people to board buses without paying the fare, which sped up the process, a witness said.
Trash littered the boarding area -- at the front entrance of the fair -- as thousands crammed into lines to board the buses.
As of 11:15 p.m., thousands were still waiting for their bus.
Long lines were also reported in parking lots as fans tried to leave the fair.