CM James Calls on MTA to Provide Temporary Shuttle Bus Service Along L, G Subway Lines

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member Letitia James Calls on MTA to Provide Temporary Shuttle Bus Service Along L, G Subway Lines

(Brooklyn, NY)— The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) has worked steadily to restore subway service that was halted due to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy. By Friday, November 1, 2012, 60% of subway service was restored, and more service was returned daily.

By Saturday, November 3, 2012, the 4/5/6/7 and J-train resumed full service. And by Monday, November 5, 2012, the MTA expects that subway service will be restored by 84%, returning service to most of Lower Manhattan. Due to the steady resumption of subway service, on Saturday, November 3rd, the MTA ceased running shuttle buses that were traveling from Downtown Brooklyn to Manhattan.

“The shuttle buses were very helpful in helping residents travel during the halted subway service,” said Council Member Letitia James. “It would be wonderful if the MTA could provide temporary shuttle service along the L and G subway lines until full service is restored. Although the G train does not extend to Manhattan, it is a vital subway line in parts of the 35th District.”

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Please note that a petition has been started calling on the MTA to implement shuttle service along the L and G lines. Please see here: http://www.change.org/petitions/joe-lhota-mta-chair-implement-shuttle-bus-service-along-l-and-g-routes

CM James On MTA's Proposal To Remove Trash Bins from Subway

Over at the Prospect Heights Patch, Council Member Letitia James has posted a short piece on the MTA's proposal to remove trash receptacles from subway stations.

Patch: http://prospectheights.patch.com/blog_posts/removing-trash-bins-from-mta-subway-stations-a-bad-idea

CM James Statement On MTA Initiative To Remove Trash Bins from Subways

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 24, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, CHAIR OF SANITATION COMMITTEE, ABOUT METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY INITIATIVE TO REMOVE TRASH BINS FROM SUBWAY STATIONS

(Brooklyn, NY)- “The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a plan on Monday to study the impact of removing trash bins from City subway stations. The first phase of the plan began two weeks ago when bins were removed from two subway stations.

Although I understand that it is logistically difficult to remove 40 tons of waste each day from City Subway stations, I believe this initiative is misguided and will only lead to more litter and vector in an already dirty transit system. Managing this increased litter on subway platforms will go against the stated goal of this plan to reduce the burden on the MTA’s trash removal efforts.

It is not clear to me how removing bins will lead to less trash because riders will continue to eat, read newspapers and otherwise go about their normal routines, only now they would have nowhere to properly deposit the material. I for one, am doubtful that riders will consistently carry their trash out with them.

I commend the MTA for adding additional trains to remove waste from subway platforms in a more timely fashion, and believe that is an appropriate way to address the ‘unsightliness and malodor’ in the subway system. I believe we can build on this positive step and urge the MTA to work with the City to make the subway system a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

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UPDATE: MTA/ NYCT Closing (Hurricane Irene)

MTA/NYC Transit System will close by 12:00noon on Saturday, August 27, 2011. [Fox- NY]

Traffic Meter/ MTA Transit Updates

Parking Meters

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that between August 2011 and June 2012 they will be replacing all remaining single-space parking meters with muni-meters throughout Brooklyn.

Also, effective August 9, 2011, DOT will begin increasing parking meter rates throughout Brooklyn. The new parking meter rates will be $1.00 an hour for short-term parking ($0.25 for 15 minutes), and $8.00 a day at all long-term metered spaces.

Please call the DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner at (718) 222-7259 with any further questions.

G-train Service

MTA/ NYC Transit will be operating shuttle buses along portions of the G subway line during 3 upcoming weekends due to track maintenance work. The 3 weekends for alternate service are as follows:

* August 27-29: G service suspended between Hoyt-Schermerhorn and Court Square F station, replaced by shuttle buses
* September 24-26: G service suspended between Bedford-Nostrand Aves. and Court Square F station, replaced by shuttle buses
* October 1-3: same as September 24-26 weekend

All weekend work will start at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and end at 5:00 a.m. on Monday. All service diversions will be noted on posters at each affected station in advance of the weekend work, and MTA NYC Transit staff will be available throughout these weekends at the affected stations to assist our customers get to where they need to go.

Please call the MTA/NYC Transit at (718) 330-1234 with any further questions.

This Weekend: New York City Transit Service Changes

Selected Weekend Service Advisories:

New York City Transit (NYCT) has scheduled planned service changes for April 23-25, including these changes locally:

No. 4 train — 12:01 am Saturday to 5:00 am Monday: No service between Utica Av and Brooklyn Bridge.
NYCT recommends the 3 train and special J shuttle trains for alternate service.

Brooklyn-bound R trains — 6:30 am to midnight, Saturday and Sunday: Trains will run over the Manhattan Bridge from Canal St to DeKalb Av. There will be no Brooklyn-bound trains at City Hall, Rector St, Whitehall St, Court St and Jay St MetroTech. Have a great Holiday Weekend.

Regarding MTA Transit Fare Increases

Council Member Letitia James was incredibly disappointed to learn that the MTA decided to approve the transit fare increases. The following is the testimony the Council Member presented at the MTA Public Hearing on September 21, 2010.

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"I want to register my strong objection to any increase of the MTA ridership fare and toll modifications proposed for implementation on January 1, 2011.

Under the proposed MTA plan, the cost of an unlimited monthly Metrocard would increase nearly 17%, from $89 to $104. Riders would have the option of opting for a less expensive $99 card with a maximum number of trips limited to 90. The MTA has presented this proposal as progressive, noting the difference in income between riders who purchase the pay-per-ride Metrocards and the unlimited weekly cards, and those who purchase the 30-day pass. I would say that the board has a faulty understanding of wealth when they consider an individual making $63,000 annually in New York City comfortably able to afford a 17% fare hike. The monthly unlimited card has always been the most affordable option on a day-to-day basis; those who use public transportation daily and choose day-to-day or weekly Metrocards are clearly purchasing their cards with the money in their pocket. I agree that the MTA should keep the needs of New York’s working-class citizens primary in their consideration, but a truly progressive increase would not harshly punish the majority of middle-class New Yorkers.

I’ve heard the excuse of the MTA— the state funding is lacking. All New York State and City agencies have felt the crunch. But the reality is that the MTA’s financial picture is what it is because of the bloated and wasteful spending of the agency itself. This is the same agency that sells-off land underpriced to wealthy developers while laying off their municipal workers. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reported earlier this year that MTA overtime costs soared 26% between 2005 and 2009, nearly $3M more than anticipated this year alone. MTA overall spending has grown at an average annual rate of 7% during the past five years, more than twice the rate of inflation. The MTA’s outstanding debt totals about $27.5B, 54% higher than it was five years ago. The MTA Real Estate Taxes are coming in short by $105M. The MTA Payroll Mobility Tax will be over $200M short of projected returns by the end of the year. These muddled numbers and others leave you with an $800 million deficit— a deficit that seems to steadily increase. And recently, Moody’s reduced the rating on the MTA’s transportation revenue bonds to A3, the fourth-lowest investment grade.

While you ask the ridership to accept a fare hike, what is being done to improve the MTA’s financial plan? What structural changes are being made to ensure future financial stability? Is there going to be an increase of services in the future, or can we continue to see the drastic service cuts that have taken place in the last 24 months? Are you building upon technical upgrades? It is important that the MTA communicate with the City at large what they plan to do to improve service, instead of lazily pointing to finger at funding issues.

Until I see a concerted effort to change the structure of the MTA, I will stand with the taxpayers and ridership in opposing these fare increases."

ATTENTION: Community Notice Regarding Storm

September 17, 2010

Community Notice Regarding Recent Storm
An update regarding last night's severe weather storm, and the specific issue of fallen trees, structural damage, and power outages throughout a number of Brooklyn neighborhoods--

Con Edison, DSNY, FDNY, MTA, NYPD, OEM, and the Parks Department are working to restore power outages and remove downed trees and debris throughout the city. To assist with coordination, OEM deployed Citywide Incident Coordinators (CICs) to certain locations in Brooklyn.

Affected residents should call 311 to report any damage to their homes or businesses sustained from last night's storm. In order to qualify for disaster relief assistance, New York City must estimate the storm's total effect on city residents and employees. Residents should be prepared to answer questions about the extent of their property damage. Residents, if possible, should take photographs any damage prior to debris removal or repair. OEM will continue to monitor the damage from last night’s storm; the agency has opened the City’s Emergency Operations Center. OEM responders are located in the hardest hit areas and there is a command post set up to coordinate field activities. OEM is also working with the National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Office to assess the damage. The Weather Service will survey the damage to confirm whether a tornado occurred.

Council Member James would like to stress the importance or reporting the building damage and downed trees. This information will be collected and used to determine eligibility for FEMA disaster declarations.

Lastly, Council Member James asks that residents continue to take the following steps wherever necessary:

-Report health and safety emergencies to 911.
-Report structural and tree damage to 311 (including trees blocking streets and roadways).
-Report power outages to Con Edison at 1-800-75-ConEd.
-If you have been displaced due to the storm, contact the American Red Cross in Greater New York at (877) 733-2767.

Additionally, Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended Citywide on Friday, September 17. And, as always, constituents may reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 to assist them in any matter related to the storm.

[Photograph by Benjamin Pasteur]

MTA Transit Cuts Challenged by Disabled New Yorkers and Their Advocates:

Claim that the MTA’s June 27th Service Cuts Violate Americans With Disabilities Act and Disproportionately Impact Mobility-Impaired New Yorkers

August 17, 2010, Brooklyn, NY: Today, plaintiffs RueZalia Watkins, Anthony Trocchia, and Clara Reiss, all people who are unable to travel long distances on their own or make use of the subway system because of their mobility impairments, along with Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York and The Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled Inc., both non-profit agencies that advocate on behalf of disabled New Yorkers, filed suit against the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and New York City Transit (NYCT).

They are challenging cuts to the City’s bus system and its complementary paratransit system that leave them without public transportation service comparable to that provided to non-disabled people, in violation of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The plaintiffs are represented by South Brooklyn Legal Services (SBLS) (a program of Legal Services NYC), the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) and Emery, Celli, Brinckerhoff and Abady. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction reversing the MTA and NYCT service cuts and restoring paratransit services.

The lawsuit challenges city-wide service cuts implemented by the MTA and NYCT beginning on June 27, 2010, cutting eighty-nine bus lines. These service cuts have forced transit passengers either to travel a greater distance to an alternate bus route or to travel by subway rather than by bus. For Plaintiffs, however, both of these options are impossible, thus imposing a greater hardship on people with disabilities than on people without disabilities. And they cannot rely on the City’s already overburdened paratransit system – Access-A-Ride – because rather than ensuring that additional resources are devoted to Access-A-Ride in anticipation of the increase in demand occasioned by the reduction in bus service, the Defendants have instituted or approved significant cuts to the system. There are approximately 138,000 individuals approved for Access-A-Ride and disabled riders made 5.8 million trips on Access-A-Ride in 2008; the June 27th transit cuts are estimated to eliminate 26,000 trips on Access-A-Ride each year.

The individual plaintiffs all are mobility-impaired and travel either via wheelchair or with a walker. The plaintiffs’ lawsuit asserts that the Defendants’ actions violate both the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA mandates that public entities may not discriminate against people with disabilities and may not deny them the benefits of services provided to people without disabilities. And the law makes it clear that it is “discrimination” for a public entity which operates a fixed route system to fail to provide paratransit services that are “comparable to the level of designated public transportation services provided to individuals without disabilities using such system.” This includes response time, which also must be comparable, to the extent practicable, to the level of designated public transportation services provided to individuals without disabilities. 42 U.S.C. § 12143(a) (2). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against a protected class by any program which receives federal assistance.

“It is unacceptable that special-needs riders, and others who depend solely on bus lines to travel for work and to other boroughs, as well as individuals who ride during overnight hours are now subjected to finding other means of transportation, or not traveling at all. Taking the bus is simply a better option for the mobility-impaired because of the lack of elevators at most MTA subway stops,” said Council Member Letitia James, who supports the suit.

“The MTA provided absolutely no accessible public transportation until people with mobility impairments sued them in the early 1980s. Two lawsuits ultimately resulted in the current fully accessible bus service, the existence of the paratransit system, and limited improvements in accessibility of the subway system. It is a shame that it now requires another lawsuit to maintain access to public transportation for people with mobility impairments in this city,” said Jane Greengold Stevens of NYLAG, who was lead attorney on one of the two suits in the 80s.

Mobility-impaired people in Brooklyn who previously relied on the buses to get to Manhattan are particularly affected by the cuts. As stated by Marvin Wasserman, the Executive Director of Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled, which is a plaintiff in the suit: “persons with disabilities in Brooklyn have suffered a disproportionate share of MTA’s transit cuts, as far more bus routes were cut in Brooklyn than any other borough. In particular, wheelchair users who have relied on bus service to Manhattan to go to jobs, medical appointments, and socialization have found their lives seriously disrupted. The TLC’s proposal to replace some of these routes with so-called ‘dollar-vans’ does not assure wheelchair users that they will be able to use them.”

Plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the Defendants’ failure to provide people with disabilities with access to public transportation violates the ADA and Section 504 and a permanent injunction directing the Defendants to restore bus service and maintain Access-A-Ride service necessary to provide to people with mobility impairments access to public transportation comparable to that provided to non-disabled riders.

Contacts: Jane Greengold Stevens - (212) 613-5031 (o), (718) 791-3408 (cell); Pavita Krishnaswamy - (718) 246-3269 (o), (718) 809-2863 (cell)

A Message From CM James- MTA: Don't Leave New Yorkers Stranded!

January 7, 2010

Dear New Yorker,

Last month the MTA unveiled a package of budget cuts that is a slap in the face to hardworking people across our city.

I have stood with elected officials, transportation advocates, students, seniors, people with disabilities and other transit riders to protest this latest round of proposed service cuts, which include the elimination of Student Metro Cards and cuts to the Access-a-Ride Program.

New Yorkers from all walks of life joined us in sending a strong, clear message to the MTA: Don't Leave New Yorkers Stranded!

Working together with transit advocates, the New York City Council has proposed an alternate budget solution that will help us to avoid these drastic service cuts by:

* Reallocating 10 percent of direct stimulus aid to MTA operating expenses ($91.5 million);
* Using budgeted PAYGO capital funds for operating ($50 million); and
* Reallocating 10 percent of additional stimulus transit aid to State to operating ($30 million).

Relevant articles in the press:

* "Rally to save service: Astoria protest vs. MTA plan to kill W line"
* "Save Our Subways! NYers Protest MTA Cuts"
* "Students, Politicians Protest MTA Cuts"

We need your help. Below are actions we can all take to stem these cuts and adopt a more rational plan.

Take Action!

* Sign our petition here and support our plan!

* Attend the MTA's public hearing on this issue. By signing our petition we will be able to notify you when the hearing is scheduled.

* Contact the MTA. Urge them to find alternative ways to prevent these terrible cuts and to ensure an open public process. By phone, dial (212) 878-7483. By e-mail, click here.

* Contact Governor Paterson. Let him know how these transit service cuts will affect your life.

* Sign up to volunteer! If you would like to take part in any of the events that we will be organizing around this issue, please contact Nick Rolf at the Speaker's office at NROLF@council.nyc.gov.

With your help we can stop these drastic cuts and ensure greater public input in the MTA's budget process.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of City Council

Transport News: The B61 service Splits into Two Shorter Routes

The MTA NYC Transit proposes to divide the current B61 route into two shorter routes, the B61 and the new B62 route. This will provide more efficient and convenient bus services for our customers and constituents.

The current B61 route is a long 9.7- mile route which operates between Red Hook in Brooklyn and Queens Plaza in Queens. The route experiences severe delays due to traffic congestion, especially in Downtown Brooklyn, resulting in unreliability and frequent complaints.

Splitting the B61 route in Downtown Brooklyn will create two routes, the B61 and B62. Both of these routes would operate with the same total level of service as the current B61 route, but their reliability would increase because of their shorter operating distances.

The new southern route, the B61, will travel from the IKEA Terminal in Red Hook to Downtown Brooklyn. The northern route, the B62, will travel from Downtown Brooklyn to Queens Plaza, and will be rerouted through the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal. This reroute will also provide transfers to the bus routes at the bus terminal and a connection with the J, M, Z line in the Marcy Avenue Station.

NYC Transit is proposing to implement these changes in January 2010. This proposal will be presented for information to the NYC Transit Committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board at its 2009 meeting. Members of the public are invited to offer their opinion during the public commencement period at the beginning of each NYC Transit Committee meeting.

The meeting will be held at 347 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, 5^th Floor Conference Room, on Monday July 27^th at 9:30 a.m. All those wishing to present comments at this meeting must register to speak between 9: 15 a.m. and the start of the meeting.

Downtown BK Surface Transit Circulation Study; 6/25; 5:30PM; NYU-Polytech

Open House: Downtown Brooklyn Surface Transit Circulation Study
All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend

Thursday, June 25th, 2009- 5:30PM to 8:00PM, with presentations at 6:15PM and 7:00PM

Polytechnic University
5 Metrotech Center
Dibner Library, Room LC400
(entrance at Metro Tech Center between Jay and Flatbush Avenue Extension)
Brooklyn, New York

NYCDOT is working with MTA-New York City Transit and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to improve surface transit within Downtown Brooklyn. This study will focus on making bus routes more effective and on improving local transportation for Downtown Brooklyn residents, employees and visitors.

In this first Open House , there will be a presentation of the initial results of our investigation into existing conditions and attendees will be asked to provide input about their travel patterns, needs and issues in Downtown Brooklyn.

6/9 and 6/10- DOT Public Hearings- It's important for Brooklyn to make its transit issues known! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

Tuesday, June 9th
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center (entrance on Jay St. btw Myrtle Ave.+Johnson St.)
Starting at 6:30pm

Wednesday, June 10th
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Ave (at Campus Rd.)
Starting at 6:30pm

*** The events are being hosted by NYC-DOT and NYC Transit- attend to hear about where the needs are greatest for Bus Rapid Transit and other bus improvements in Brooklyn, and hear what you think about some initial possible areas they have identified (see link http://nyc.gov/brt http://nyc.gov/brt), and about what bus rapid transit is! Were you infuriated that the MTA was considering cutting bus service in Brooklyn? Come to the session to hear possible plans for Brooklyn, and to be a part of the discussion! ***

Team Tish: Some Recent (...and Not So Recent) Photos

Picture time has come 'round again!

And with all the Atlantic Yards news*, we thought we'd post these pictures from around this time last year. They're from an Atlantic Yards press conference at City Hall. Just want to remind you that this fight has been going on for a long time, and that we believe a community is defined by the how to people that live there are treated. We believe in diversity- economic and racial- and we want to see ALL the residents of the 35th District reap the benefits of our every-developing neighborhoods. We hope you support fair and affordable housing development as well. Please consider attending Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Community Meeting on June 9th; at 85 S. Oxford Street in Fort Greene to keep abreast of Atlantic Yards issues.

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CMs James and Yassky are joined by Assembly Members Hakeem Jeffries and James Brennan and fair development advocates at City Hall on July 2008.

From this event:

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CMs James, Barron, and Liu rally in Bedford-Stuyvesant against cuts to MTA services, specifically the B25 bus route, on February 28th, 2009. CM Liu is the Chair of the Transportation Committee in the New York City Council.

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CMs James and Weprin are joined by Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Eric Adams, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and Former NYC Public Advocate Mark Green at a press conference addressing term limits on October 12, 2008.

And from this event:






CMs James and Weprin are joined by State Senator Eric Adams, members of the Crown Heights Revitalization Movement, and Crown Heights residents at City Hall to address the Brooklyn Intake Center proposal to be expanded into a Citywide shelter, and the fact that plans to create a similar Manhattan center were not included in the City budget proposal. June 7, 2009.

*FYI- We purposely try not to post too much about Atlantic Yards, being that there are so many great organizations and blogs following the issue much more closely than we can.
**Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Speaks, a civic group that informs residents about Atlantic Yards issues.
***Photo courtesy of William Alatriste.
****Photo courtesy of Patricio Barrientos, of CM David Weprin's office.

CMs James and Barron Against B25 MTA Service Cuts, 2/28, 10AM

We’ve posted in the past concerning the MTA’s service cuts, specifically the crucial B25 bus line that previously traveled down Fulton Avenue towards Downtown Brooklyn.

In the past, we’ve stated:

"the MTA maintain(s) that the B25 is underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Riders are expressing the exact opposite opinion; they say the B25 and B65 bus routes are vital life lines for Brooklyn residents, and that both buses often filled to capacity.

Taking the bus is simply a better option for the elderly and the handicapped because of the lack of elevators at most MTA subway stops."

In our efforts to continue to fight against unnecessary service cuts, the Brooklyn East New York Crisis Team & East New York United Concern Citizens

In conjunction with Council Member Charles Barron & Council Member Letitia James

Organize for a March & Caravan Against the Cut of the B25 Bus Route

Date: February 28, 2008

Time: 10am-1pm

Starting @ Van Sindern & Fulton Street
Ending @ 484 Washington & Fulton Ave
Brown Memorial Baptist Church


For More Info Contact:
Kevin McCall (347) 675-4210
Chris Banks (347) 240-3049
CM Charles Barron (718) 649-9495
CM Letitia James (718) 260-9191

CM JAMES, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, OPPOSE MTA SERVICE CUTS; TUES. DEC. 16TH, 1PM; CITY HALL

ATTENTION!The press event planned by Council Member James to fight the proposed MTA service cuts, which was to be held on the Steps of City Hall tomorrow, Dec. 16th at 1:00 pm, has been postponed. This cancellation/postponement is due to the presentation of Governor Paterson’s 2009-10 budget proposal to the State Legislature tomorrow morning. The response by the State Legislature to Governor Patterson’s budget proposal may determine whether recommendations made by the Commission on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Financing to cut bus and subway services will be implemented.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2008

Contacts: Eva Ruiz at (212) 788-7081, and Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member Letitia James, public officials, and residents will gather on the steps of City Hall to oppose MTA cuts - this Tuesday, Dec. 16th, at 1 pm. The MTA proposed cuts include the B25 bus route in Brooklyn, plus night and weekend service to the B65 bus route, as well as other severe cuts to bus and train services both in brooklyn, and across the five boroughs.

This past week, the MTA proposed service cuts in Brooklyn, and around the city to help alleviate a massive budget deficit. They maintain that the B25 is underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Riders are expressing the exact opposite opinion; they say the B25 and B65 bus routes are vital life lines for Brooklyn residents, and that both buses often filled to capacity.

Taking the bus is simply a better option for the elderly and the handicapped because of the lack of elevators at most MTA subway stops. The B65 bus line is one of only two buses that cover the area from Fulton Street to Eastern Parkway, and an 11 block stretch exists between these two bus lines. It is unacceptable that special-needs riders who depend solely on bus lines to travel to work, as well as individuals who travel during overnight hours will now be subjected to long, unsafe walks.

Other MTA service changes that affect Brooklyn include:

* Shortening the G-train to operate between Court Square and Smith/9th Street at all times, eliminating evening, overnight, and weekend service between Court Square and Forest Hill/71st Avenue
* Operating 10 minute headways on the A-train, 4/5-trains, N/Q/R- trains, and G-train routes (among others) on Saturdays and Sundays. As a result, loads will exceed 125% of off-peak loading guidelines
* Midday loading guidelines will increase to a 125% seated load on the A-train and N/Q/R- trains, which will amount to longer waits
* Operating the A-train, 4/5-trains, and 2-train subway service on a 30-minute headway between 2 am and 5 am (service currently runs on a 20-minute headway during this period)

WHAT: Press conference in opposition to the MTA’s proposed service cuts in Brooklyn, and across New York City

WHEN: Tuesday, December 16th, at 1:00 pm

WHERE: Steps of City Hall


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MTA Proposes Cuts to B25 Route, Night/Weekend Service for B65

Last week, the MTA proposed service cuts around the city to help alleviate massive budget deficits. They maintain that the B25 is both underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Now, I will speak for my pregnant self when I say that I have yet to see the B25, as often as it may run, not full. The lack of elevators in most subway stops makes the bus a better option not only for myself, but also for the many elderly and handicapped living in our neighborhood.

As far as the B65 goes, the bus lines is one of only two lines that cover the area from Fulton to Eastern Parkway (AN 11 BLOCK STRETCH!!!) It is unacceptable to think that people who have come to depend on this line to get home in the late hours will now be subject to the long walk possibly from their place of employment to the trains AND from the train to their residence.

Other changes to MTA service that effect the 35th Council District include:

• Shortening the G-train to operate between Court Square and Smith-9th Street at all times, eliminating evening, overnight, and weekend service between Court Square and Forest Hill-71st Ave.
• Operating 10 minute headways on the A-train, 4/5-trains, N/Q/R- trains and G-train routes (among others) on Saturdays and Sundays. As a result loads will exceed 125% of off-peak loading guidelines depending on the car type.
• Midday loading guidelines will increase to 125% seated load on the A-train and N/Q/R- trains, which will amount to longer waits of about 1-2 minutes.
• Operating the A-train, 4/5-trains, and 2-train subway service on a 30-minute headway between 2am and 5am (service currently runs on a 20-minute headway during this period).
  

CM James is currently organizing a press conference, please stay tuned and come out and support in numbers. We must make MTA hear our collective voices!

Please share your stories if these service cuts will effect you...