Ravitch Rumor Mill: Report to Urge More Investment in BRT

Mobilizing the Region has scooped up some interesting nuggets about the Ravitch Commission’s soon-to-be-released report:

…insiders tell MTR that Ravitch is likely to recommend improved
bus service, including increased investment in bus rapid transit and
the establishment of a MTA Regional Bus Authority. The latter would
take control of suburban bus systems like Long Island Bus and
Westchester’s Bee-Line Bus, potentially ending the annual battles over
funding and resulting in substantial service improvements for bus
riders. The former could offer near-term improvements in transit
service for many outer borough residents out of the subway’s reach…

Improved MTA oversight, transparency and strengthening of governance
may also make the short list of recommendations, according to those who
have seen the report.

When the commission held its first public hearing this September, there were still a lot of unsettled questions about its exact purpose. Several speakers asked Ravitch to extend the scope of his recommendations beyond how to fund the MTA — to examine the agency’s operations and identify reforms that can build its credibility. Looks like that testimony will be reflected in the final product.

Photo of Select Bus Service: Brad Aaron