Concerns Over Express Bus Route Plan

There’s some serious backlash regarding the “express bus route” proposal from Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Bronx politicians criticized the $800 million initiative, claiming it might make streets more perilous for pedestrians.

Officials expressed their frustration that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had already cut bus stops along the Grand Concourse in 2022. They argued that the new plan would not only diminish the number of stops even further but also force seniors to cross busy streets to catch a bus.

“I wish the MTA would stop prioritizing money over people,” said Yvonne Miller, a longtime local resident in her 60s, during a news conference. “It’s essential for the MTA to consider the needs of our community, including those who are disabled, elderly, and just pedestrians in general.”

Miller urged other neighborhoods facing potential bus stop removals to take action now as Mamdani and the MTA attempt to fulfill part of their campaign promise of free express buses.

“The MTA continuously seeks more while offering less,” she continued. “Their only focus seems to be on sticking to the schedule, even if that means eliminating stops.”

Mamdani, along with Governor Cathy Hochul, announced plans to enhance MTA express routes with dedicated turn signals and cameras for buses. This redesign has already led to the removal of stops on the Bx40 and Bx42 lines at Burnside Avenue and Grand Concourse, compelling seniors to cross multiple lanes of traffic to board the bus.

City Councilmember Pielina Sanchez mentioned that the MTA justifies stop removals by highlighting a three-minute reduction in Bx40/42 travel times, but that number fails to consider the extra walking distance for passengers, which can make their overall travel longer.

“The administration and the governor have made impressive announcements regarding improvements to bus services,” Sanchez noted at a press event in the Devaney Triangle.

“Yet, I hope these advancements come with a willingness to compromise and truly listen to our communities about their needs and safety.”

Sanchez recalled how she first created the MTA in 2022, yet the agency has not budged since then, even after additional follow-ups in 2023 and 2024.

“Our community feels betrayed by the MTA,” she said.

An MTA spokesperson defended the stop removals, asserting that bus speeds have improved since the Bronx bus network redesign launched.

“Since the redesign, eastbound bus speeds have surged by 19% and westbound speeds by 17%, benefitting thousands of passengers daily on these routes,” the spokesperson noted, emphasizing that restoring bus stops would reverse these speed gains.

However, bus experts suggested that the elimination of stops could negate any travel time improvements.

Another MTA representative mentioned that restoring the old stops would require removing a different stop, which would disrupt nearby trees.

Councilor Yudelka Tapia argued for the replacement of the bus stops, emphasizing that the area is near senior housing, assisted living facilities, and schools.

“The Grand Concourse is already perilous for pedestrians,” Tapia commented during a news conference. “We’ve heard from many residents – seniors trying to reach doctors, families on the school run.”

The area has seen over 7,000 crashes and 700 pedestrian injuries in the past decade, including 138 accidents within just four blocks, prompting Bronx Community Board No. 5 to call for the restoration of the bus stops.

Sally Smith, in her 80s, has been a consistent advocate for a bus stop replacement since its removal, labeling the closure “unacceptable.”

“I’d rather be doing anything else this afternoon,” Smith stated. “People in wheelchairs, and the elderly simply cannot traverse the Grand Concourse safely. It’s a risk.” She recounted her efforts to establish a bus stop back in the 1970s.

“All we want is to have our bus stop back. We aren’t asking for anything new. Just give us back what you took away,” she pleaded.