Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that Ulster County's free bus rides begin October 1. But Ulster County Area Transition, commonly known as UCAT, has a problem too. “Along with numerous transit agencies and markets across the nation, Ulster County Area Transit is experiencing labor shortages,” UCAT said on its webpage. “The labor shortage situation has resulted in cancellation and/or delays to UCAT’s bus service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to all the UCAT passengers.” So bus riders in Ulster County should check the Rider Alerts and News page on the UCAT website at ucat.ulstercountyny.gov, and the UCAT Transit app. Riders can also call Transit Dispatch at (845) 334-8458, before a trip. The Ulster County Legislature on Aug. 17 voted 16-7 to eliminate fares, with all Republicans voting against the proposal, and Democrats voting in favor. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.