MTA Considering Reduced S.I. Overnight Bus Service
This past July, the MTA released a preliminary budget which included some cost cutting measures. Fast forward to more recent times which saw NY State Thomas P. DiNapoli release his State Comptroller’s 2019 Financial Outlook for the MTA which contains something that if it becomes a reality, will be a major thorn for Staten Island residents.
The unfortunate scenario that might occur would see the MTA reduce overnight bus service to the Staten Island Ferry. Eric Bascome of SI Live has more:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Late night ferry riders could need to find a new connecting route.
The MTA is considering a reduction in overnight bus service to the Staten Island Ferry, according to the State Comptroller’s 2019 Financial Outlook for the MTA released recently.
The report highlights potential cost-saving measures outlined in the MTA’s preliminary budget report released on July 25.
Among the potential measures outlined is, “reduce bus service to the Staten Island Ferry during overnight hours to one bus per hour (eliminate nine positions for savings of $1.1 million annually).”
In 2015, the city launched 30-minute, around-the-clock Staten Island Ferry service.
The MTA emphasized that all listed measures in the comptroller report are based upon existing revenue and are subject to change based on future revenue streams.
“The proposed service change highlighted by the comptroller’s report is from a preliminary budget forecast made in July that is based on existing revenue streams and doesn’t count potential new revenue streams that are being discussed,” said MTA spokesperson Shams Tarek.
“As we’ve said, we’re focused on improving service, aggressive cost-containment initiatives, and seeking sustainable, reliable new sources of funding to help fund future transit service,” Tarek continued.
If this becomes a reality, this will serve as a huge blow for bus service which is already operating subpar based on the complaints from customers throughout the island. I have seen the crowds that the ferry gets during the overnight hours and believe me, it was a great idea to create more overnight service.
However getting to & from the ferry during the overnight is just as important. I think the MTA needs to find alternative ways to save money as cutting such service is not the answer.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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