Senator Montgomery fights proposed service cuts to the B38 and B54 buses

Senator Velmanette Montgomery calls on the New York City Transit Authority to reverse the proposed changes and increase the frequency of bus service along the B38 and B54 routes. The Senator joins colleagues, constituents and community stakeholders in opposition to the proposed reduction in service along the B38 and the B54 bus routes.

In her letter to New York City Transit President Andy Byford and MTA New York City Transit Department of Buses Executive Vice President Craig Cipriano, Senator Montgomery writes:

Any reduction in service resulting in greater wait times and overcrowded buses is an assault on the quality of life to people who need this bus service and do not have other transportation options.

The MTA’s Fast Forward Plan includes the evaluation and “redesign” of the New York City bus network. The Brooklyn Bus Redesign has not yet taken place. Therefore, these changes are simply premature. Why are we redesigning services when an evaluation of the Brooklyn bus network has yet to be initiated? I strongly oppose any change in service until the roots of the problem have been appropriately studied and identified.

Brownstone Brooklyn is in dire need of increased frequency in service as well as bus lines that connect people to neighborhoods throughout the borough. Bus service is vital for the residents of these communities to live their lives. Any reduction of service will only make things harder for the people who live in these areas.

Additionally, there are plans to replace the standard buses with the accordion-style articulated buses along the B38 bus line. Although these buses will have increased capacity, these buses turn very wide and create a hazard to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Additional service utilizing standard buses should be on the table for consideration.

To read Senator Montgomery's letter, download the PDF.

To learn more about this issue, visit:

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/42/30/dtg-mta-cuts-three-buses-2019-07-26-bk.html

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/07/25/longer-waits-for-buses-along-three-brooklyn-lines/

https://patch.com/new-york/fortgreene/dekalb-avenue-bus-stops-will-change-new-longer-buses

https://bklyner.com/mta-to-cut-4-brooklyn-stops-on-b38-route-with-switch-to-longer-buses/

https://patch.com/new-york/bushwick/bushwick-loses-3-b38-stops-gets-longer-buses-mta

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/42/34/dtg-b38-cuts-longer-buses-2019-08-23-bk.html