Push To Improve Express Bus Service: 'There Is Some Progress, But There Is Still Work To Do'

Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726 President Daniel Cassella and transportation advocates to provide an update on their ongoing work with the MTA to improve express bus service for Staten Island commuters. 
Together, they have been working closely to identify the source of these issues and advocate solutions to the MTA. At a meeting with the MTA in July, Borough President Fossella secured some short-term and long-term commitments to improve service.
Among the initiatives promised were the development of Quality Assurance maintenance teams, cycling newer buses from the other boroughs, and training more mechanics to make long-term repairs to buses.

“For the last several years, we have tried to be the strongest advocates possible for the often-beleaguered Staten Island commuter, especially the express bus riders,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference at the Yukon Bus Depot.

He called attention to increased maintenance issues and bus cancellations since the Meredith Bus Depot closed in January, a move he had previously condemned.

The closure, in addition to a flurry of maintenance and service issues, contributed to 530 bus cancellations in June, 971 cancelations in July, and 518 cancelations in August. Last month, the cancelations dropped to 174.
Borough President Fossella said if a commuter misses one bus or, worse, two buses, it is the difference between being on time or late for work. He called on the MTA to implement long-term solutions, such as another garage and increased parking at both the Yukon Depot and the Castleton Depot.

“So, in a way, we took a snapshot, we got their attention, there is some progress, but there’s still more work to,” said Borough President Fossella. “But folks, you need to know, we’re not going away. The MTA is going to have to continue to make investments for the good folks behind me.”