The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) joined community leaders, elected officials, transit advocate groups, and the New York City Department of Department of Transportation (DOT) at Fordham Plaza in the Bronx to preview the launch of the borough's local bus network redesign on Sunday, June 26.
The redesigned network brings foundational improvements that will deliver more reliable bus service, improve connections, reduce wait times, and increase bus speeds. It reallocates resources to the portions of the borough and lays out an adaptable framework to meet real-time travel patterns of current and future bus customers.
“In 2019, over 420,000 customers relied on the Bronx bus network to get them to their destinations,” said Janno Lieber, MTA chair/CEO. “Making sure that all New Yorkers have equal opportunity depends on equal access to reliable transit, and buses are vital — especially for seniors, schoolkids and people who don’t live close to subways. I am thrilled to launch a more efficient local bus network that would help deliver better service, and access to jobs, education and opportunity – both within the borough and throughout the City.”
The redesigned network consists of thirteen significantly modified routes, two new routes, and changes on most routes in respect to bus stops and schedules.
The redesign focuses on:
Bus stop balancing. Increasing stop spacing is an effective method that allows buses to travel at greater speeds. Bronx bus speeds are among the slowest in the nation, with distances between bus stops averaging 800 feet, compared to 1,000 to 1,680 feet, which is the international average.
More direct routes. Streamlining circuitous routes and adjusting routes in known areas of street congestion improves travel time due to the reduction of turns and avoidance of traffic.
Better connections. Route changes strengthen interborough travel to Manhattan and improve accessibility to other areas of the MTA’s transportation network, including subway stations that are ADA accessible. Improved east-west bus connections strengthen intraborough travel.
More all-day service. The new local bus network includes additional trips during off-peak hours, weekends, and increases service frequencies on eleven routes and nine key corridors.
The MTA will continue its customer ambassador program leading to implementation and two weeks following the launch to assist customers in the transition to the new bus network.
“This is a great plan and the Bronx is a better borough because of it,” said Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough president. “The MTA has now built a 21st century network that is responsive to the transit needs of communities throughout the Bronx. The bus network redesign will truly provide a more reliable service to connect bus riders to and from many different locations including work, medical appointments, and visiting family members and friends. It will spur economic growth in our borough at a time when it is truly needed.”
