I think the reason why the Bx12 Local can get away with it's headways is because West of White Plains Road. There is the Bx9,17,and 22 helping it out. Plus SBS stops are roughly a few blocks away from each other. (Except for Southern Blvd-Fordham Plaza stops). East of White Plains there are barely any riders. The average wait time is 5 minutes for a Local bus. I think the Local riders can wait 5 minutes for a bus to pass by. I think the 12 Local should keep the artics, but I do see your point though.