Statement of William Henderson, PCAC Executive Director
to the MTA Board on the Staten Island Express Redesign Project
MTA Headquarters, 2 Broadway, New York, NY
June 20, 2018
Good morning, my name is Bill Henderson and I am the Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. I am here to urge you to approve the Staten Island Express Bus Redesign Project. I want to emphasize the importance of this redesign as a first step in reimagining the City’s overall bus network. We are all aware that increasing traffic and declining bus performance have led to lower ridership. Changes in the bus network to adapt to these new conditions are long overdue. Fortunately, NYC Transit recognized the need for change and embarked on a planning process with robust public involvement that developed an express bus service plan to address today’s realities. Previously, I’ve spoken to the elements of the redesign that provide for more effective and efficient express bus service. I won’t repeat these comments, but this redesign means that riders will spend less time waiting for delayed buses and spend less time on buses traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan.
The alternatives to the redesign are unacceptable. Allowing existing service to deteriorate as traffic and changing development patterns take their toll only leaves a larger problem for the future. Halfway measures, such as adjusting bus stops to reduce running time, improve performance but would do little about the root causes of decline in efficiency and reliability of express bus service. Although this redesign can’t be expected to satisfy every rider, the authors of this plan have solicited and taken into account input from many riders. It’s now time for the good of the system to move forward with this redesign, understanding that adjustments can be made in response to unanticipated issues or changing conditions. From there, NYC Transit can advance its ambitious plans to bring the Citywide bus network into the 21st Century and to restore surface transportation a vital part of the NYC Transit system throughout our City.
Download here: 062018 NYCTRC MTA Board Staten Island Express bus redesign