The Meeting Culminates Years of Outreach In The Borough Around Historic Redesign Project That Was Put On Hold During Pandemic
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See Photos of News Conference Here
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the restart of the Bronx Bus Network Redesign process, with a final virtual public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6:00 p.m. The virtual public meeting is aimed at further promoting public consciousness around the project and will allow riders one more opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed final plan. The meeting follows additional efforts by the Authority over the last two months to reengage the community on the details of the proposed Final Plan, with implementation currently targeted for the summer of 2022. That plan was originally crafted after years of public input and was set to be taken to the MTA Board for a vote just weeks after what would become the start of the pandemic.
The redesigned bus network establishes a strong foundation on which the Authority can continue to build a successful, high frequency network that serves the hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on the service. The plan demonstrates the MTA’s dynamic approach to providing service and will be able to adapt to the real-time travel patterns and needs of customers. It reallocates resources to the portions of the borough where they will have the greatest impact. The Bronx Network Redesign Final Plan is focused on improving Local, Limited and SBS routes. There are no changes to Bronx express routes at this time. The MTA has been meeting with local elected officials and community boards since last month to review the plan.
“The bus system is truly an engine of equity in this city. Buses provide particularly important connections to many neighborhoods that don’t have subway stops nearby,” said MTA Acting Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “Countless numbers of New Yorkers rely on our buses, including seniors and people with disabilities, but this redesign effort will dramatically improve commutes for all Bronxites. I am thrilled that the proposed Final Plan is set to make its way to the board in the months to come.”
“The redesign is key to providing the bus service that our customers in the Bronx deserve,” said Interim New York City Transit President Craig Cipriano. “As the pandemic made clear, Bronx bus customers rely on bus service more than New Yorkers in any other borough and this entire plan was crafted in partnership with Bronx residents. It was truly a community-led approach and our final plan reflects their feedback. We listened carefully and I’m proud of just how well this collaborative process worked.”
“The Bronx bus redesign is nothing short of transformative for the Bronx. Its high-frequency network will serve the largest base of customers at the moments when service is most vital,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer. “Ultimately, this is about focusing on our riders and hearing their concerns. Their feedback is at the center of this plan and we’re eager to move forward with this long-anticipated plan.”
Additional Updates on the Proposed Final Plan
After publishing the proposed Bronx Network Redesign Final Plan during the winter of 2019, the MTA listened further to feedback from customers, communities throughout the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, as well as community boards, elected officials and advocates. In doing so, the Authority determined that customers and community members value the existing routing of the Bx28 and Bx34 routes over the proposed alignment changes that were outlined in the Draft and proposed Final Plans. With such strong community and customer desire to maintain existing route alignments, these routes’ alignments will now not be changed.
Due to the 18-month pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bx6 SBS implementation has also been delayed until 2023 to coincide with the retirement of the MetroCard and the full deployment of OMNY across the city. Officials determined that the logistics and expenses associated with installing and then uninstalling fare machines along the future alignment in Soundview for just one year of use is not an effective or efficient use of resources. The associated changes in Bx6 local and Bx5 frequencies will also be postponed until the full deployment of OMNY when the Bx6 SBS realignment is implemented.
Those looking to learn more about the specific details of the plan or changes to particular route profiles are encouraged to review the project’s dedicated website at https://new.mta.info/bronxbusredesign. Those seeking to speak at the meeting can register to do so on the website as well.
Comments on the Plan from Bronx Elected Officials and Other Community Leaders
“I am pleased that The Bronx Bus Network Redesign is moving forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Although the pandemic has delayed the project, as we recover together, The Bronx Bus Network Redesign will provide necessary upgrades that will help New Yorkers get back to their day-to-day lives efficiently. My office has been involved in the development of this plan from the very beginning to ensure that it meets the changing needs of our borough. The end result of this important process is a huge step forward in modernizing and upgrading the system for the hundreds of thousands of riders who rely on city buses every day. Thank you to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for their partnership throughout this process, and for the work that you are doing to prepare our borough’s critical bus infrastructure for the future.”
“For thousands of Bronxites, public transportation is a necessity to move around the city and they deserve fast and reliable service,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson. “This Bronx Bus Network Redesign plan is a product of collaboration between the community and the MTA to ensure our residents receive fair and equitable bus service across our borough just as other parts of the city. I commend the MTA for listening to the voices of our community and for taking a necessary step forward in ensuring all New Yorkers have access to high-quality transportation.”
“Building a better Bronx starts with building a more accessible public transportation system,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “The Bronx Bus Network Redesign plan would do just that by providing rider-focused service, increasing frequency, improving routes, and prioritizing environmental sustainability. I am grateful to the MTA for their commitment to building an improved and efficient bus system that Bronxites can rely on. I look forward to working with them and the community to further improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of riders in the Bronx.”
“Bus service is incredibly vital to people who live in the north and northwest Bronx, where many residents simply do not live close to a subway or Metro-North line,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “I am pleased that New York City Transit is moving forward with the Bronx Bus Redesign plan and am grateful that they have taken many of the initial concerns that were raised into consideration when making their final plan. This redesign ought to be only the first step in improving bus service, and I look forward to a continued dialogue with NYCT and our community about how we can make continual improvements that help Bronxites get where to they need to go more quickly.”
“Many of my Bronx constituents rely heavily on buses as a form of transportation, whether it's by commuting to work or going to a doctor's appointment,” said Assembly Member Kenny Burgos. “Restarting the Bronx Bus Network Redesign program is essential as it will help provide further insight on how to best serve the travel needs of Bronxites. I look forward to finding solutions to improve our borough's transportation system.”
“With many constituents relying on buses as a method of transportation, it is crucial that we make investments into updating our bus networks,” said Council Member Kevin Riley. “The MTA’s commitment to prioritize improving accessibility and bus schedules will address transportation desert issues in many areas like District 12. Our public transportation infrastructure is one of many key factors in a successful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than going back to normal, we strive for our systems to be better; this includes our Bronx Bus Network and improving rider experience for the people.”
“The Bronx Bus Network Redesign is a key step in the right direction towards faster, more reliable bus service in the Bronx and beyond,” said Chair of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA and MTA Board Member Andrew Albert. “With continued public input from Bronx riders, it’s clear that an improved bus network is needed to help increase mobility around the borough. Automated Bus Lane Enforcement, protected bus lanes, transit signal priority, east-west connection priority corridors, and increased frequencies will speed up our buses and make transit the best way to get around the Bronx. Continuing to improve connections to subway and commuter rail stations and to LaGuardia Airport, expand service, and redesign routes to best meet the needs of Bronx riders will also be crucial to building an equitable transit system that serves the New Yorkers who need – and rely on – it most.”
“The Bronx bus network is long overdue for a redesign,” said Tri-State Transportation Campaign Policy & Communications Manager Liam Blank. “Despite a growing population and shifting employment centers, many bus routes today still follow the same alignment as the trolleys they replaced over half a century ago. With a network redesign, hundreds of thousands of daily bus riders stand to benefit from better service and greater access to jobs, housing, school, and other critical services. We commend the MTA for restarting the redesign process, and we look forward to expanding on this success throughout all five boroughs.”
“This is definitely a testament to what happens when collective parties come together – not just having people making decisions for you – but the fact that people came out and made their voices heard,” said Member of the Co-op City MTA Ad-Hoc Committee Lynette Wright. “The MTA, our government officials, and all of us advocates came together on something that was accessible for all within this design. I want to thank the MTA for keeping an open ear on the impact of when you draw something, it has an impact on people. Thank you to everyone and be sure to make your voice heard.”