If You Were MTA Chairman...

[TeeLow]

Thomas Pendergast has a tough job. Not only does he have to think like an hourly employee (negotiating with unions), he also has the dubious task of dealing with politics on three levels: MTA, NYC & Albany. Appropriating funds for construction projects is like running for mayor and the US Senate simultaneously; he's constantly on the campaign hunting for dollars so he can keep his platform balanced and strong despite all the people who are trying to chisel off pieces here and there. I don't envy his position.

 

Mr. Joe Blow, you are head of the MTA. Assuming that you've managed to acquire the funding for ONE new SBS route outside of Manhattan, what route would you choose?

 

#Pick ONE borough amongst Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island & The Bronx

#SBS run must be Intra bourough

#The full route must be able to support Artics, including terminals

#Consider the effects to existing/surrounding services

#Street routing must conform to SBS standards for the ENTIRE run

#Name your SBS stops & schedules for SBS and local, hours of operation

#This isn't a Lmited service. If two buses share a significant portion of the route one must be designated SBS. Limited and SBS cannot share the same run. PERIOD.

#Explain/justify why SBS is needed; who benefits from this service? Does it improve time, etc

#If you use online maps to figure your planning, post links so others can follow your thinking

#Calculate how long it would take complete preparations; how many lanes from curb to curb, will artics be able to make turns, etc, street widening, offset lanes, bus bulbs, etc.

 

I didn't think of everything. You can fill in any logical missing blanks without having to turn your idea/proposal into the building of a pyramid. This is all in fun and enjoyment. Think of it as a challenge but there's no need to get all sweaty in minute details (unless you want to). If you decide you want to make a map of your route, by all means, feel free to do so.

 

Finally, don't take any criticism seriously. You should expect comments, questions and personal opinions that might ding you in the derriere. When it happens try to remember "Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until that happens, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment and know that everything happens for a reason".

 

To quote one of my favorite posters in these forums "Carry on".