Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Buses

Rider Report: Select Bus Service Shaves Trip Time

mostly_clear_lane.jpg

Three days after the debut of Bx12 Select Bus Service, Bronx resident and Tri-State Transportation Campaign Associate Director Veronica Vanterpool rode the route from Co-op City to Inwood. On Mobilizing the Region, she reports that riders are becoming accustomed to the pre-payment system and rear-door boarding, with the help of bus drivers and New York City Transit personnel.

Vanterpool's trip was unobstructed -- for the most part.

Fordham Road, a dense shopping district, is one of the most congestedareas along the route and it was refreshing to see cars backed up inFordham Plaza while the bus cruised by in the empty bus lane. However,a few blocks ahead, our smooth sailing was interrupted by a NYCT vanand two delivery vans.

Vanterpool says police are continuing to monitor the lanes, and that nearly 100 tickets were handed out on Monday, the first weekday of SBS service. Her ride was 48 minutes, compared to the pre-SBS average of 65. Vanterpool predicts that time savings will increase as passengers get used to the system's features, as long as "vigilant enforcement" of bus lanes continues.

Photo: Mobilizing the Region

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Brad vs. Andrew: Lander Wants Faster Buses Initiative Eliminated Under Gov. Cuomo

It's time to revive the Select Bus Service eliminated in 2018 by then-Gov. Cuomo, according to a new report from Comptroller Brad Lander.

April 11, 2025

Council To DOT: Do Better At Tracking Projects (So We Can See When You Fail)

Two bills passed by the City Council on Thursday will require the DOT be more transparent about project progress.

April 11, 2025

Friday Video: The Only Congestion Pricing Explainer You Need (Except Ours)

We've covered congestion pricing better than anyone, but we were pleased to see our Climate Town friend Rollie Williams jump on board. It's must-see TV.

April 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: The Times Loves Sprawl Edition

Look, we're critical of the Times, but the paper reached a new low in its call for more sprawl. Plus other news.

April 11, 2025

Hey, Sec. Duffy, DOGE Should Learn Cost-Saving from the MTA Not the Other Way Around

Sic DOGE on the MTA? Maybe Sean Duffy should reverse that — the MTA is spending money more wisely than in decades.

April 10, 2025
See all posts