Yesterday, April 30, in Brooklyn, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Councilman Alan Maisel, and NYCTRC Member Christopher Greif, and other citizens called on the MTA to install an SBS Bus Stop at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Avenue R. At a press conference, Mr. Greif pointed out that both seniors and disabled citizens live in this area, who would be advantaged by an additional express stop. Additionally this location is a transfer spot for riders going to the nearest subway station.
Avenue R was a Limited B44 stop at one time, but now is only a local stop. Councilman Deutsch pointed out three SBS buses that passed and did not stop during the press conference.
According to kingscountypolitics.com:
Deutsch said for the past 10 months his office has been writing and calling the MTA imploring them to make Avenue R a SBS stop. This stop is also an important transfer spot for buses going to the nearest subway, he said.
In a statement, the MTA said looked into a community request for the stop, but decided it wasn’t feasible and has expressed that to council members on several occasions.
Weinstein, who doesn’t have one subway stop in her entire assembly district, concurred with Deutsch, adding that put the stop on Avenue R makes sense and would respect the many senior citizens – many of whom take the bus to doctor appointments.
Maisel suggested the MTA add the stop as part of a pilot program, that if it works, would become permanent.
A video of the press conference can be found on YouTube here: A Call for New B44 Express Bus Stop
Photos courtesy of Councilman Deutsch’s twitterfeed @ChaimDeutsch and YouTube