If you could have it your way...

[Q43LTD]

Which types of buses would you put in what depot and why? Would you put O5's at Jamaica? Would you make College Point all express?

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Which types of buses would you put in what depot and why? Would you put O5's at Jamaica? Would you make College Point all express?

 

I'd rebuild Castleton ASAP, expand Meredith Depot and make both state-of-the-art depots on par w/Charleston. Then I'd get rid of all of the old MCIs that constantly break down out of Castleton and replace the entire fleet with new MCIs.

 

That's just for starters... The answer to this is very simple. Even with Charleston in place, there is still overcrowding issues at the SI depots and quite frankly you could argue that a 5th will be needed down the road, which I would place on the North Shore somewhere near St. George to improve reliability of the local buses. Until this is done I feel that service expansion will be limited at best.

 

Of course this won't happen now, but some of it will happen soon. There is a push for a 5th depot and CAS will have most of its MCIs replaced by 2012. :cool:

[LRG]

I'd have the S79 become exclusively Orion 5.501s and have it run all night. S79 for the ultimate win!!! :cool:

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I'd have the S79 become exclusively Orion 5.501s and have it run all night. S79 for the ultimate win!!! :cool:

 

Those who live on the South Shore and on the Mid Island, what do they do when the S79 stops coming? It's odd that the S53 runs 24/7 to & from Bay Ridge, but not the S79. :confused:

[Hawk Operator]

Eliminate all express routes. Assign local routes to nearest depot for routes terminals. Increase Limited service on routes.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Eliminate all express routes. Assign local routes to nearest depot for routes terminals. Increase Limited service on routes.

 

Eliminate all express bus routes?? And how exactly would those folks get around???

 

And of course Grand Concourse would agree with him. That idea is completely irrational. I do however agree with increased limited stop service.

[Grand Concourse]

Hand SI to NJT [either send all the oldest O5s there and have NJT buy new buses to replace them or leave the newer O7s there and have NJT pay for them. MCIs - I'd give them the new ones and if they cut some express routes, the left over buses can be sent back to NYCT].

Try to consolidate the unions or get them to allow for more interlining of routes such as:

- giving Flatbush depot the B100 route and combine it with the B2.

- reorganizing Queens by having CS, LGA, CP all swap routes to best fit proximity of lines to the depot.

[Fresh Pond]

If I can have it my way, people would hate me ...but seriously...

 

- Bus & NYCT Bus would all be one ( Regional Bus would be the name)

-Fresh Pond would get Designlines (somehow the problems are magically fixed lol) (and not them damn NGs lol)

-The Q39 & Q67 would be at Fresh Pond while the Q58 would go to Casey Stengal

-The B100 would be Flatbush

-The B82 would be at Spring Creek

-LaGuardia would be rebuilt from the ground up (including personel)

-Quill and every SI depot will be all NGs

-Artics would come to Flatbush for B44 service

-ENY would get Novas

-Castleton would get their NGs back and also get the 3Gs (therefore pushing the Orion Vs to Far Rock, LGA, & Manhattanville)

-The B61 would be extended to City Hall on the former B51 route

-The B60 would be extended into Manhattan on the former B39 route (for the elderly, see I care lol)

 

That's it for now, more diabolical and contreversal plans later

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Hand SI to NJT [either send all the oldest O5s there and have NJT buy new buses to replace them or leave the newer O7s there and have NJT pay for them. MCIs - I'd give them the new ones and if they cut some express routes, the left over buses can be sent back to NYCT].

Try to consolidate the unions or get them to allow for more interlining of routes such as:

- giving Flatbush depot the B100 route and combine it with the B2.

- reorganizing Queens by having CS, LGA, CP all swap routes to best fit proximity of lines to the depot.

 

And what exactly would letting NJT take over the SI routes do?

[LRG]

Those who live on the South Shore and on the Mid Island, what do they do when the S79 stops coming? It's odd that the S53 runs 24/7 to & from Bay Ridge, but not the S79. :confused:

 

They'd have to take the S78 to the S53.

[Q43LTD]

Eliminate all express routes. Assign local routes to nearest depot for routes terminals. Increase Limited service on routes.

No! Someone's gonna get pissed off sarcasm

[Via Garibaldi 8]

No! Someone's gonna get pissed off sarcasm

 

 

Yeah well why don't we eliminate all subways and see what people think about that. We can increase limited stop service to compensate. Sarcasm.

[Q43LTD]

Yeah well why don't we eliminate all subways and see what people think about that. We can increase limited stop service to compensate. Sarcasm.

Yay! I don't have to deal with homeless people begging me for change anymore. sarcasm

[Hawk Operator]

No! Someone's gonna get pissed off sarcasm

 

So better to be pissed off, then pissed on.

 

As for how to get around, the way most of them do anyway, not going to Manhattan, their car or car service. Express buses are a waste of resources for a small percentage of riders. All bus lines should have one terminal at express/local subway stop and let everyone get in that way, upon exiting system additional local buses would carry further if needed.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Yay! I don't have to deal with homeless people begging me for change anymore. sarcasm

 

I'm glad you find such joy in fulfilling their needs... I for one think they do nothing but add to the filth and squalor that exists in the system. We can thank Mayor Bloomberg for this also. They've even spilled onto 5th Ave now with the begging. Really ridiculous.

 

In any event, your "sarcasm" is nothing but express bus hatred. Express buses take thousands of cars off of the road everyday, making it easier for express bus opponents like yourself to ride the subway.

 

So better to be pissed off, then pissed on.

 

As for how to get around, the way most of them do anyway, not going to Manhattan, their car or car service. Express buses are a waste of resources for a small percentage of riders. All bus lines should have one terminal at express/local subway stop and let everyone get in that way, upon exiting system additional local buses would carry further if needed.

 

Two things with your proposal... One try telling the thousands of express bus riders that commute daily that their service is of insignificance. Two, some would argue that the lines eliminated would mean that B/Os would just be re-assigned, but quite frankly I'm sure the would look to get rid of as many B/Os as they could, as well as look to cut back on overtime etc., so be careful for what you wish for. If I recall correctly, B/Os can earn more on the express runs...

[checkmatechamp13]

Those who live on the South Shore and on the Mid Island, what do they do when the S79 stops coming? It's odd that the S53 runs 24/7 to & from Bay Ridge, but not the S79. :confused:

 

Easy (well, not so easy on overnight headways, but possible). If you live in Arrochar or South Beach, you can just take the S53. If you live along Hylan Blvd, you can take the S53 to the S78. If you live along Richmond Avenue, you can take the S53 to the SIR and take the S59.

 

For passengers in the northern section of Eltingville (who travel after the S59 stops running), they can take the S53 to the S74.

 

Eliminate all express routes. Assign local routes to nearest depot for routes terminals. Increase Limited service on routes.

 

Not all express routes. There are some that really carry. On weekends, the X1 and X10 cover the same percentage of its costs as the local bus system.

 

Like I said, since a good part of the cost is the peaky nature of express buses, the solution is to lower the off-peak fare to $4.50 to attract additional riders. The peak fare can be increased to $6 to compensate for any revenue that is lost (which I doubt would be much).

 

So better to be pissed off, then pissed on.

 

As for how to get around, the way most of them do anyway, not going to Manhattan, their car or car service. Express buses are a waste of resources for a small percentage of riders. All bus lines should have one terminal at express/local subway stop and let everyone get in that way, upon exiting system additional local buses would carry further if needed.

 

I was laughing at your quote, but, like I said, the main cost of running the express bus system is the peak:off-peak ratio, which can be lowered by making the off-peak fare cheaper than the peak-hour fare.

 

Don't get me wrong: I believe that there are still some express routes that are underutilized and should be eliminated, but I can't say that about all express routes.

 

I'm glad you find such joy in fulfilling their needs... I for one think they do nothing but add to the filth and squalor that exists in the system. We can thank Mayor Bloomberg for this also. They've even spilled onto 5th Ave now with the begging. Really ridiculous.

 

In any event, your "sarcasm" is nothing but express bus hatred. Express buses take thousands of cars off of the road everyday, making it easier for express bus opponents like yourself to ride the subway.

 

 

 

Two things with your proposal... One try telling the thousands of express bus riders that commute daily that their service is of insignificance. Two, some would argue that the lines eliminated would mean that B/Os would just be re-assigned, but quite frankly I'm sure the would look to get rid of as many B/Os as they could, as well as look to cut back on overtime etc., so be careful for what you wish for. If I recall correctly, B/Os can earn more on the express runs...

 

I think he's being sarcastic regarding the idea that the subway system should be eliminated (so it was sarcasm on top of sarcasm)

 

Also, I disagree with the idea that there would be 50,000 more cars on the road (I believe express bus ridership is something like 50,000 per weekday). Parking in Manhattan is already terrible (and expensive), so I'm sure a good portion of those people would find some less polluting alternative. If they don't want to take the bus to the subway, they'll drive to the LIRR/Metro-North, or they'll carpool.

 

I believe express bus operators earn more simply because the peaky nature of the express bus system results in more deadheads and split shifts, not because of any other reason.

 

The MTA probably would get rid of plenty of B/Os, since naturally, those B/Os would then be operating shorter routes, and I doubt they would add much, if any local bus service if express buses were eliminated.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Easy (well, not so easy on overnight headways, but possible). If you live in Arrochar or South Beach, you can just take the S53. If you live along Hylan Blvd, you can take the S53 to the S78. If you live along Richmond Avenue, you can take the S53 to the SIR and take the S59.

 

For passengers in the northern section of Eltingville (who travel after the S59 stops running), they can take the S53 to the S74.

 

 

 

Not all express routes. There are some that really carry. On weekends, the X1 and X10 cover the same percentage of its costs as the local bus system.

 

Like I said, since a good part of the cost is the peaky nature of express buses, the solution is to lower the off-peak fare to $4.50 to attract additional riders. The peak fare can be increased to $6 to compensate for any revenue that is lost (which I doubt would be much).

 

 

 

I was laughing at your quote, but, like I said, the main cost of running the express bus system is the peak:off-peak ratio, which can be lowered by making the off-peak fare cheaper than the peak-hour fare.

 

Don't get me wrong: I believe that there are still some express routes that are underutilized and should be eliminated, but I can't say that about all express routes.

 

 

 

I think he's being sarcastic regarding the idea that the subway system should be eliminated (so it was sarcasm on top of sarcasm)

 

 

If some could have their way, they would have ALL express buses eliminated. They just throw that "waste" BS around to justify their jealousy and hatred for express bus riders. I see right through it and it is nothing but politics as usual, and that's why we're so vocal and defensive about our service, because we know that we are targets when it comes to our service. Their thinking is that we don't need our service because we have the means financially to get around using other methods.

 

I would equate it to a form of socialism quite frankly, which I certainly don't support. Meanwhile, the poor milk the system left and right all of the time, and you don't see too many people up in arms about that. It's total BS and I'm going to call them out on it. Meanwhile the same B/Os calling for the elimination of all express bus service would be the same ones out there appealing to riders that their jobs are in danger like we saw at the hearing at CSI last year.

 

I remember the B/O on the X16 that was complaining that he was probably going to be laid off when the X16 was axed. Meanwhile he showed up early every morning, which meant that passengers that could've been picked up were missed, decreasing ridership numbers. Those sorts of things do decrease ridership overall and over the years, they lead to lines being axed.

 

Regarding the S79, I think it should run 24/7. You know that they won't link the buses you mentioned so that the transfer can be painless. Folks transfering between the (S53) and (S62) for example are in the sh*t because the (S62) always runs hot late at night.

[Amtrak7]

Eliminate all off peak express bus service outside of SI and the BxM7. No express bus operates more frequently than every 6 minutes during the rush hour (2 min x27 is insane).

 

Bring back Q79 rush hour service, M21 weekend service, N28, M6 from 23rd on south.

 

No local bus runs less often than every 20 minutes except late nights, discontinue weekend Q67.

 

Nassau County dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/LIRR station and whose trip starts or ends east of 135 or north of the Northern State Parkway. Express bus fare.

 

SI late night dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/SIR station and whose trip starts or ends south of Richmond Av and Arthur Kill Rd.

 

Bike racks on all buses, GPS on all buses, S40 to NJ

 

Persuade LIRR/MNR to reduce intra-zone NYC fare to local bus fare and inter-zone NYC to express bus fare

 

Take over the SI ferry, require a MetroCard for it (extra transfer for everyone to reduce impact)

 

Adjust the transfer rules to permit unlimited rides within 3 hours of paying your fare

 

Take over Bee Line, SCT, and TOR

[checkmatechamp13]

If some could have their way, they would have ALL express buses eliminated. They just throw that "waste" BS around to justify their jealousy and hatred for express bus riders. I see right through it and it is nothing but politics as usual, and that's why we're so vocal and defensive about our service, because we know that we are targets when it comes to our service. Their thinking is that we don't need our service because we have the means financially to get around using other methods.

 

I would equate it to a form of socialism quite frankly, which I certainly don't support. Meanwhile, the poor milk the system left and right all of the time, and you don't see too many people up in arms about that. It's total BS and I'm going to call them out on it. Meanwhile the same B/Os calling for the elimination of all express bus service would be the same ones out there appealing to riders that their jobs are in danger like we saw at the hearing at CSI last year.

 

I remember the B/O on the X16 that was complaining that he was probably going to be laid off when the X16 was axed. Meanwhile he showed up early every morning, which meant that passengers that could've been picked up were missed, decreasing ridership numbers. Those sorts of things do decrease ridership overall and over the years, they lead to lines being axed.

 

Regarding the S79, I think it should run 24/7. You know that they won't link the buses you mentioned so that the transfer can be painless. Folks transfering between the (S53) and (S62) for example are in the sh*t because the (S62) always runs hot late at night.

 

I doubt that they think that express bus riders can afford to drive into Manhattan every day. There is a difference between $50 per week and the expenses of gas, tolls, parking, and maintainance that come with driving to Manhattan.

 

Like I said, if any route can't have a high enough farebox recovery ratio to justify its existance (assuming it is run properly), then it shouldn't exist. To say that all express bus routes should be eliminated is ridiculous.

 

Eliminate all off peak express bus service outside of SI and the BxM7. No express bus operates more frequently than every 6 minutes during the rush hour (2 min x27 is insane).

 

Bring back Q79 rush hour service, M21 weekend service, N28, M6 from 23rd on south.

 

No local bus runs less often than every 20 minutes except late nights, discontinue weekend Q67.

 

Nassau County dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/LIRR station and whose trip starts or ends east of 135 or north of the Northern State Parkway. Express bus fare.

 

SI late night dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/SIR station and whose trip starts or ends south of Richmond Av and Arthur Kill Rd.

 

Bike racks on all buses, GPS on all buses, S40 to NJ

 

Persuade LIRR/MNR to reduce intra-zone NYC fare to local bus fare and inter-zone NYC to express bus fare

 

Take over the SI ferry, require a MetroCard for it (extra transfer for everyone to reduce impact)

 

Adjust the transfer rules to permit unlimited rides within 3 hours of paying your fare

 

Take over Bee Line, SCT, and TOR

 

1) I can agree to that. You're right that 2 minute service is ridiculous when the service isn't that well-used.

 

2) The only one I agree with is restoring the Q79.

 

3) Even if those local lines were to pick up some express bus passengers, I doubt that they would get enough ridership to justify an increase in service.

 

4) Don't know.

 

5) I don't think there are that many seniors traveling late at night (and its Access-A-Ride, not Dial-A-Ride like in Long Island)

 

6) I don't think there is a need for bike racks, considering the fact that our buses are among the slowest in the country (though there might be some in the outer boroughs that are fast enough to justify the use of them)

 

7) Agree. It would be nice if transfers were offered, like on the express bus (maybe with a $0.50-$1.00 surcharge)

 

8) Agree

 

9) Agree

 

10) If those counties are willing to pay for it, then sure.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I doubt that they think that express bus riders can afford to drive into Manhattan every day. There is a difference between $50 per week and the expenses of gas, tolls, parking, and maintainance that come with driving to Manhattan.

 

 

The thinking is we can just drive in or take car service or whatever. Some of us could, but the whole idea is completely illogical. Traffic is bad enough even w/the express buses. Traffic would be at a virtual standstill if you had some 36 - 40,000 express bus riders now driving in. That's why I say that it is nothing but express bus hatred, because their "alternatives" are just beyond ridiculous. I would respect them more if they would just be honest and stop bullshitting and just admit their disdain for express bus riders.

[checkmatechamp13]

But that is the thing: Parking garges cost something like $20 per hour to park in, not to mention about $5-$10 in tolls, $5-$10 in gas, and $5-$10 in additional maintainance. For an 8 hour workday, the cost would be close to $200.

 

Obviously, there is a huge difference between $11 and $200. A person working in an office can afford $11 for transportation, but they would have to be making a lot of money to afford $200 for transportation (especially considering the fact that, in many cases, it would still be faster, though less pleasant to take the local bus to the subway)

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Eliminate all off peak express bus service outside of SI and the BxM7. No express bus operates more frequently than every 6 minutes during the rush hour (2 min x27 is insane).

 

Bring back Q79 rush hour service, M21 weekend service, N28, M6 from 23rd on south.

 

No local bus runs less often than every 20 minutes except late nights, discontinue weekend Q67.

 

Nassau County dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/LIRR station and whose trip starts or ends east of 135 or north of the Northern State Parkway. Express bus fare.

 

SI late night dial-a-ride service for anyone not within 1 mile of a bus route/SIR station and whose trip starts or ends south of Richmond Av and Arthur Kill Rd.

 

Bike racks on all buses, GPS on all buses, S40 to NJ

 

Persuade LIRR/MNR to reduce intra-zone NYC fare to local bus fare and inter-zone NYC to express bus fare

 

Take over the SI ferry, require a MetroCard for it (extra transfer for everyone to reduce impact)

 

Adjust the transfer rules to permit unlimited rides within 3 hours of paying your fare

 

Take over Bee Line, SCT, and TOR

 

 

I suppose you think running X1s every five minutes is insane too when ridership justifies that frequency... The X27 has the 3rd highest ridership out of all of the express buses in the system, and is only behind the X1 and X17 in that regard, so the frequencies that they get are justified. That's like me saying that the line should get less frequency during rush hours when it is the highest used subway line in the city. Again, completely illogical.

 

These same people making these ridiculous comments probably don't even use the express bus to understand why some lines get the frequencies that they get.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

But that is the thing: Parking garges cost something like $20 per hour to park in, not to mention about $5-$10 in tolls, $5-$10 in gas, and $5-$10 in additional maintainance. For an 8 hour workday, the cost would be close to $200.

 

Like I said, these people are completely illogical. They don't offer any real alternatives and all they can do is rant about is cutting express bus service when half of them don't even use the service.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

1) I can agree to that. You're right that 2 minute service is ridiculous when the service isn't that well-used.

 

And what are you basing this conclusion on? Have you ever used the X27 to make that statement??

[checkmatechamp13]

When the MTA created the X27B, it mentioned that there were numerous complaints by both drivers and passengers that buses to Midtown were packed, and buses to Worth Street were virtually empty.

 

Now that the X27B has been created, no group of passengers has service that is that frequent. If you're going to Midtown in the middle of rush hour, you have service every 5-7 minutes, and if you are going to Downtown, it is the same situation.

 

So it can be likened to a corridor like Richmond Avenue, where express buses do come every 2 minutes, but not everybody can take every express route.