161 New York

Does anyone know how the 151 to Paterson destination sign is set up? I want to create a sign for my signature. Thanks!

The x19 would be the best bet for the latest and greatest, almost all buses I have ridden on have been new or newish (just my take) then I might say the x17A and then x22. In my observations as rider on the x19/x22, I see the x17A's at Broadway/Barclay when I'm there. I've noticed a healthy mix on the x17's on weekends between new and not so new.

I agree NycGamer, unfortunately in every organization you will encounter individuals with very different personalities, work ethics and sadly agendas. We all know more or less what we are "getting in to" as we pursue this line of work. The only thing I can recommend in everyone's day-to-day is to treat everyone fairly and leave work at work (except when networking/helping others out here ).

I am in the process of finishing up the exams for the CDL permit and had a question. Per the information within other posts, I will apply for the CDL Permit and check the box Excepted Interstate (EI) - (Age 18 or older; operate/expect to operate Excepted Operation Only, must have A3 restriction). The A3 restriction waives the medical requirement as the MTA will do this for us. http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/cdl-medical-certification-requirements As I plan to take private CDL lessons (and probably obtain the CDL license) before *hopefully* getting called to the MTA, would the A3 restriction prevent me from getting private lessons (and the license)? Thanks! Also - I wanted to say, I started the process at the Midtown DMV and they are VERY efficient. You'll take the exams before doing the paperwork. I did one exam the other day and I was in and out in 15 minutes. Whereas the Staten Island DMV was a zoo (I took one look and left). Hopefully, early next week i'll be done.

Cool! Congratulations on the new job!!

Folks, Please follow the discussion on the Bus Operator OA Exam 3101 beginning at post 631 (both links will take you there). Some very important information there that is applicable to us. Thanks!

From what I am reading here and from what I have been told by others is that we will first be called for a drug test, then from 2-60 days (or possibly longer), the pre-hire paperwork, medical assessments and interview. Then thereafter, (it appears soon, within days after the pre-hire paperwork, medical and interview) that we'll be sent to Zerega Ave for training. Perhaps others can further refine that timeline. As YoungNYCSubwayFan said, there really is no concrete answer, however. My advice would to use a personal day, if available for the first drug test and if you are solid with your finances, then, maybe consider giving notice. I would recommend getting a thorough physical done as to possibly identify any issues. Just as an observation: Per the 2613 Bus Operator thread in early to mid February, HR has reached 26XX candidates out of the 36XX total number of candidates, less than 1,000 prospective candidates remaining, not including anyone who reinstated themselves on the list.

From a North Shore perspective, which I admit I don't know too much about beyond the St. George and Bay Street/Targee St areas, an SBS could work along the routing presented in your post given your familiarity with the area. However, once it crosses from Morningstar to Richmond Avenue, I can see, because of duplication of the s59, the s44 taking on a limited stop role making corresponding stops of the s89 route to Nome Avenue, then to the present stops to the Staten Island Mall to it's current terminus. In my opinion, extending the route to the Eltingville Transit Center is one of those "would be nice" things, but due to the duplication of the s59 along Richmond Ave, it would only work if there is a transfer restriction between the two routes. Personally, I think the s61 should be extended to the Transit Center. I also think it would be a good idea to either absorb either the s55 or s56 into the s61 due to the anemic ridership of the s55/s56 as well as it's rather short travel times, end to end. Doing this could provide possible weekend service to the South Shore. However, getting back to an s44 SBS, I disagree that it would have anything more than a minimal effect on the s89. Again, as a former regular on the s89, it runs well in the present form for its targeted ridership demographic. (Slightly OT but) If midday and weekend service is needed to New Jersey, extend either the 10 or 81 one stop to Forest/Richmond Ave. I might write to the Staten Island and Hudson County politicians (specifically North Shore and Hudson Co. Freeholders) to request the PA's vendor which appears to be TUCS (The Ultimate Cleaning Service) to collect ridership statistics on their seasonal shuttle service they are providing between Bayonne and Staten Island as part of the Raise the Roadway (Bayonne Bridge) project. As for the empty s79-SBS buses, I think this is a result of bunching and possibly overscheduling. I noticed this too. I think a lot of credit should also be given to former Borough President and Conservative-party member James Molinaro for his attention to the transportation issues on Staten Island. He did a lot for both public transportation (s79-SBS, s89, ferry and was visible during the 2010 crisis) as well as road/infrastructure improvements (Staten Island Expressway, traffic lights, signage, potholes). Ex-Congressman and convicted drunken driver, Republican Vito Fossella did do well for transportation issues (especially with the SIE repairs) as well as Congressman and City Councilman; personally, I am glad he is out of office. As for ex-Congressman and convicted felon, Republican Michael Grimm, he did an absolutely excellent job of making his opinion known to the Staten Island Advance, but he didn't really have much of a measurable impact other than statements to the press in my opinion and observations (and thankfully he is out of office). Republican State Assemblyman V. Ignizio is doing a good job.

All is well, thank you. Awaiting the release of the list for bus operator from !

Again, agree completely with VG8. I'm here on Staten Island as my housing is comparatively not that expensive and for family reasons. Except for the North Shore and Hylan Blvd above Tysens Lane, specifically, the South and Mid-Shores, more local buses probably won't solve anything or just be completely inefficient use of MTA resources. I feel that rush hour express bus service on the South Shore and deployment is sufficient, though we can discuss some minor tweaks and improvements. I'll highlight the x17 Tottenville segment as completely unnecessary and the x17 should run from Manhattan to Staten Island until midnight on weekends. The s79-SBS should run later as well. The idea of a South Shore Fast Ferry is probably not a no-go, especially if the operator charges market rates. The New York Waterway fares for travel across the Hudson River start at $6 one way for a seven minute crossing, for a longer distance the cost could be up to $21 one way (NY Waterway Wall Street to Belford/Atlantic Highlands ferry). Whereas you can park a car at the Huguenot SIR, take an express train and the ferry for $2.50 one way and then simply walk to the financial district. Though as mentioned several times recently in the Staten Island Advance, the SIR is experiencing some reliability issues. Speaking personally, I am one of the rare individuals on the South Shore of Staten Island that does not currently have a car of his own by choice as the funds for vehicle maintenance, gas, tolls are reallocated so I can travel; I think I barely cracked $100 for gas in 2014 when I had rented cars locally. It does make things difficult not having a car as to get anywhere useful (laundromat, grocery store, local buses on weekends) as it is usually a 20+ minute power walk.

Not needed for Richmond Avenue. The s59, s44/s94 and s89 are absolutely fine along that road. There is no need for Select Bus Servive on these routes: - The s59/s44/s94 LTD is redundant after Forest Ave. After Victory Blvd. the s44/s94 LTD is essentially discharge only as anyone going past the Mall is taking the s59 as it goes all the way to Tottenville until evening. From experience, the passenger churn is minimal after Victory and before Richmond Hill and the SI Mall. Also, as there are four travel lanes and properly timed traffic lights, traffic flow moves well. - The s89 LTD is a 50/50 commuter route for the folks who work in Jersey City and school tripper for students that do not get yellow buses. The bus travels along Marsh Avenue a residential area behind the Staten Island Mall instead of the mall roads as the s44/s59/s79SBS do. From my extensive experience, the s89 in the evenings get passengers at the major intersections, Forest Ave. & Victory Blvd. The routes are fine along Richmond Avenue. Though, I feel that there should be express bus service directly to Jersey City. Agree completely. Before I left my parent's house, all the adults had their own vehicles, so we had to make room for four cars. My neighbor across the street had about five adults, two parents and three college-age kids, all had their own cars. Even empty nestors, each adult had their own cars even the elderly couple.

MCI, please see the below post from the Bus Operator Exam 2613 Questions thread, post 615 by Rm3271. According to a number of previous posts, there is no structured interview, per se, just a quick overview of your paperwork and medical: Also, can anyone please confirm whether or not their is a blood test, that is: Will the MTA doctors/medical team be taking a blood sample? Thanks!

Thanks Young for the Eyewitness News link! as well as the handouts. Once the weather gets a little to my liking or if we hear anything on 4600, I'll make it a point to go for some lessons. Already I have been checking my mirrors more often and doing the push-pull method when making turns. It takes a little getting used to, but it's doable.

Let's review the timeline and where we stand for Exam 4600 - New York City Transit Bus Operator: We all took the written exam on the 14th or 15th of December 2013. The proposed answer key was released to us on 23 January 2014; we self-calculated a preliminary score based on what we recorded in the Candidate's Personal Record of Answers. On 04 October 2014 many of us took the Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS) . To my knowledge no grade is assigned and no-one I know has received their results if they passed, failed or if there were any affect on their candidate status. Those who did not take the Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS) in October 2014 have not yet received notification on when they will be scheduled to do so. Further, the final answer key and list establishment has not yet occurred. Once this occurs, we will have our list number and we'll know where we rank. Per the there is currently no expected release date. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - My personal recommendations in the meanwhile: As the hiring process for the active NYCT list from Exam 2613 which was released in November 2013 is at least 70% complete based on the information that other NYCTF members have shared, we can reasonably anticipate that the list will be exhausted and closed at some point this year. This will depend on how many candidates accept the position as well as the hiring needs of the Department of Buses. I would advise those who calculated high scores: - Plan on getting the Commercial Drivers License Permit in the near future. - Identify and address any health issues. - Gather necessary documents and list of employment. - Above all, follow all traffic regulations religiously! Good Luck!

You should reply to the e-mail you sent to them and ask if the update has been made. When I made an inquiry, they responded to me within 48 hours. This would be your best bet.

I'm largely referring to those who are on this list or those who recently joined the MTA; many people, including myself take several civil service tests. Some may not like the job, but take it anyway as they need employment, but will take the NYPD/FDNY or another job within transit (train operator, etc.) if called. You are absolutely correct, eventually the pace will slow down as the average employee years of service decreases due to recent onboarding of new staff. Also, as mentioned, broadly economically, costs within the past ten years (housing, tuition, retirements everything else) has increased dramatically, which means that people will be working longer. Also, looking at it this way, a candidate was in training for Exam 2613 at list number 2100 in early January 2015 and it's early February 2015 and they are at least up to 2499! As long as anyone who wants the job is given a chance, I'm fine, it will be our turn soon..

According to a recent post in the Exam 2613 thread, they are up to 24**, so between 2400 - 2499 out of approximately 3600 candidates, so about 67% of the way done. Let's see what happens in March 2015 where they are at, that will give us a better picture. My thinking is that they should be finishing up with those who initially deferred and those who are clarifying medical/legal issues. Further, I believe that they'll run through the remainder of the candidates quite quickly, especially if there are a high number of retirees and those who moved on to other city/state jobs or jobs within the .

Yep, check it out, its kinda jarring in my opinion. There are a few on Staten Island as well, Hylan Blvd. near Tysens Lane comes to mind.

Random Thoughts and Musings on the x17: 1) I have recently noticed that some x17 operators are using the Staten Island-bound Bay Ridge code during the weekdays. Seldom do I see the Bay Ridge destination sign used on the weekends. 2) This answers my question as to why the x1 was merged with the x17/x19 stop at Broadway and Barclay in Lower Manhattan. This monstrosity looks like it is from the 1970's, is unnecessarily clunky and I wonder if it doubles as a missile silo. A bus shelter with LCD panel could have been installed and could have been used to display information on delays/detours, next departure etc., maybe an advertisement thus bringing us into the 21st Century. Instead, this:

AirTrain is free within the airport itself. The terminal at JFK is at T5 where you can catch the AirTrain. Also there are a number of bus stops within the airport for cargo, maintenance and administrative functions, I'm going to fan it one of these days:

All - Please see below from the MTA website: Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Exam No. 5606 (NEW - UPDATED) The multiple-choice test for this exam is scheduled to be held on March 7, 2015 and March 21, 2015. All candidates should receive their admission letter by February 27, 2015. If you do not receive an admission letter by March 3, 2015, you must come to the MTA Exam Information Center located in the Lobby of 180 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 between the hours of 9 AM – 3 PM, Mondays through Fridays. http://web.mta.info/nyct/hr/exams_updates.htm Thanks

At 07:00 it was bad on Staten Island. I was driving a SUV on Richmond Avenue past the Eltingville Transit Center and the ABS went off twice despite that I was driving 20-25 MPH knowing there was some icing on the road. Surprisingly the folks doing 40 didn't appear to have any issues. At 08:00 I almost fell flat several times in the parking lot and observed the s79-SBS and s59 were going real slow. At 09:15 at Woodrow/AR Kill Road there were about ten people at the s74/x17 stop which is unusual as I take the 09:00 x17 bus on Sundays and we might get two or three people (at the most) from that stop which tells me there could have been problems with the x17. There was one time 2-3 years ago when I was on the x17 and the B/O could not stop the bus from rolling down the hill on Arden Avenue until we got towards the VIllage Greens development. Also, the buses sometimes have difficulty getting up Woodrow Road to the terminal at Huguenot Avenue when there is icing. Finally, all the Port Authority bridge crossings to/from Staten Island were closed between 08:00 - 11:30. That tells me this was bad and was unexpected.

Specifically, the headways and start times should be as follows on Saturdays: To Manhattan 05:00 - 06:00 : 30 minutes 06:00 - 10:00 : 20 minutes 10:00 - 17:00 : 30 minutes 17:00 - 20:00 : 60 minutes To Staten Island 07:00 - 08:00 : 60 minutes 08:00 - 15:00 : 30 minutes 15:00 - 19:00 : 20 minutes 19:00 - 22:00 : 30 minutes 22:00 - 24:00 : 60 minutes

In comparison to my candidate's personal record of answers to the proposed answer key for the Saturday AM session, I incorrectly answered question 13. However, that was not the question that was bothersome to me as I recorded answers that I was confident on in upper-case and those that were not in lower-case. Answer to question thirteen was recorded in upper-case to my surprise.

With a score like this, I don't think that we (myself included in the one wrong category) need to worry about if we are getting called, but when. Keep in mind that not everyone took the test to do well, but to just "pass." Although not specifically asked, but worth mentioning, with regards to veteran's/legacy credits, very few folks will get the full ten points for legacy credit or disabled veterans credit. Five points are awarded if you meet the requirements for veterans credits. Also, although this may be a long-shot, perhaps the question that appeared to be wrong in the proposed answer key may have been challenged by someone and thrown out. So it is theoretically possible that a one wrong could be a 100%. Additionally, the BOSS exam could have knocked out some folks from eligibility. Anyways we won't know anything until the actually list is published. Hopefully, in late spring we should hear something. Again, we'll have to see how many bus operators retire or move on to other jobs in the TA or city. We all need to keep driving safely, stay healthy and be optimistic