Comptroller Stringer and State Senator Biaggi Advocate for the Comprehensive Bronx Bus Network Redesign and Release Borough-by-Borough, Demographic Profiles of New York City Bus Commuters

(New York, NY) – New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi sent a letter to New York City Transit President Andy Byford to advocate for a successful redesign of the Bronx Bus Network. Comptroller Stringer and Senator Biaggi rode the Bx 40/42 route to call attention to the needs of the 450,000 riders who depend on MTA Bronx buses every day and released an updated analysis of bus rider demographics.

“We simply cannot allow New York City’s buses to continue to crawl at the slowest speeds in the nation. For generations, we’ve failed bus riders and it’s a snapshot of who has been prioritized in this city and who hasn’t,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “With the Bronx Bus Network Redesign, we have an opportunity to deliver the frequent, reliable and fast service New Yorkers deserve, but we need to get this right. This isn’t just about faster commutes, it’s about fairness and a thriving five borough economy. Bronx bus passengers are overwhelmingly working class people of color – and they deserve high quality transit. That’s why we’re calling for the MTA and DOT to do right by Bronx bus riders, and spare no expense in delivering reliable bus service that keeps New Yorkers moving.”

“Bronx residents have been shortchanged by our bus system for years. Riders, who are overwhelmingly working-class, continue to face unreliable, infrequent service and slow speeds once they board. The Bronx Bus Redesign is a critical opportunity to bring the reliable and comprehensive bus service our borough deserves, but it will only succeed if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Department of Transportation fully invest in the project. Because our state government retains so much control over the MTA, both the city and state must provide the necessary attention and resources to build a more fair and just transportation system for Bronxites,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester). 

“We are happy to hear the MTA will no longer continue with a cost-neutral plan for the Bronx Bus Redesign. In the last decade, the Bronx has substantial growth in employment and housing. Investing in bus service will allow bus riders to access and benefit from this economic growth. But in order for the investment to make a difference, the MTA needs to understand their customers. Bronxites do not work during traditional hours and need to see more service during off-peak and overnight hours and have more routes to better connect them within the borough. Thank you New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Senator Alessandra Biaggi for your leadership and support to improving local bus service,” said Stephanie Burgos-Veras, Campaign Manager with the Riders Alliance.

The Comptroller and Senator released a new comprehensive analysis of bus riders based on American Community Survey data:

To read the letter to President Byford, click here.

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