Staten Island express bus riders are experiencing significant improvements in service as delays and cancellations decline notably. According to reports from commuter advocates, September saw a reduction in express bus cancellations to 174, a substantial drop from 518 in August and 971 in July. Borough President Vito Fossella announced these developments during a press conference on October 17, 2023, in New Springville.
Fossella attributed the enhancements to collaborative discussions with leadership from the MTA, union representatives, and commuter advocates over the summer. He emphasized that while progress has been made, further efforts are necessary. “We still have work to go,” Fossella stated, adding that a long-term solution may involve establishing another bus garage to address ongoing issues.
Challenges Persist After Depot Closure
The MTA had closed the Meredith Avenue bus depot in January, claiming it was no longer required. However, this decision has drawn criticism from local leaders who argue that the closure has contributed to ongoing service disruptions. Fossella stated, “We publicly disclosed that when they closed the Meredith Avenue bus depot, it would be a mistake that would lead to maintenance issues and cancellations, and all that unfortunately came true.”
Danny Cassella, president of ATU Local 726, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for additional repair space to enhance bus reliability. “The maintenance, which is definitely a big problem here on Staten Island, is not going to get any better. We just don’t have the space,” Cassella remarked. He noted that mechanics often work overtime to keep buses operational despite the lack of adequate repair facilities, stressing the urgency of finding a permanent solution.
Community Advocacy and Future Improvements
Local advocate Filippa Grisafi acknowledged the recent improvements in service and expressed gratitude to the borough president and MTA leadership for their collaboration. “It has contributed a great deal to the improvement in canceled trips, service gaps, and some maintenance issues,” she noted. However, she raised concerns about the MTA’s decision to remove the SIM4X and SIM8X routes. MTA leaders had assured riders that this would not lead to overcrowding on remaining buses, yet Grisafi claims the minimal increase in service has proven inadequate, resulting in overcrowding on morning and afternoon trips.
As winter approaches, Staten Islanders and their representatives are pressuring the MTA to address ongoing service issues, particularly on the SIM4 and SIM8 routes. Fossella emphasized the importance of continued investments in the bus system, stating, “The MTA will have to continue to make investments and listen to the folks behind me. These are the ones who see it every day.”
In response to ongoing challenges, Frank Farrell, MTA’s NYC Transit acting executive vice president of buses, assured the community that the agency is committed to further improvements. “We’ve made great strides in improving Staten Island bus service with express bus on-time performance improving by 8% since this time last year, and we look forward to shaving even more time off of Staten Islanders’ commutes,” he said.
As improvements continue, local leaders remain vigilant, advocating for a reliable public transportation system that meets the needs of Staten Island residents.
