Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Thursday’s Headlines: Let’s Focus on Buses Today!

12:01 AM EDT on April 18, 2019

If you want to run for president, there's no better platform than, "I sped up buses by 25 percent in the most congested city in America!" So when Mayor de Blasio makes what's expected to be a big announcement about the city's bus service today at 2:30, we're hoping he brings that particular plank.

Our own David Meyer — who started the day with coverage of another crucial bus issue! — will be on hand to provide coverage. He'll also ask the mayor why so many people are being killed by drivers on city streets this year. Or why he's still cracking down on e-bikes even though the data show they're safe, according to this scoop by Julianne Cuba. That's an official "heads-up!" Mr. Mayor.

Here's the rest of the news to get you going:

    • Activists held a "die-in" at City Hall yesterday to protest inaction on global warming, which certainly won't go away if every two-bit politician keeps getting discount tolls for entitled drivers. (NYDN, NY Post, Gothamist)
    • The Daily News offered a fuller look at the crash that killed 7-year-old Cameron Brown yesterday.
    • Mayor de Blasio's highly subsidized ferry system came under fire at a City Council hearing. Right now, taxpayers are the only thing keeping these boats afloat (well, and the laws of hydrodynamics, of course). (NY Post) The Times also weighed in on the excessive costs. Meanwhile, amNY's Vin Barone highlighted the fallacy of the mayor's claim that the ferries serve the less-fortunate. "Boats only for the wealthy?" he asked.
    • Meanwhile, The City reported on an obvious conflict of interest involving the ferries.
    • We were very happy to see the Post's Nolan Hicks take the side of transit riders over selfish drivers, who scored yet another toll exemption yesterday.
    • Hard-working Hicks at the Post also reported on Council Member Justin Brannan's call for more oversight on Citi Bike after its e-bike fleet was grounded for repairs over the weekend. Streetsblog's coverage revealed very little oversight, in fact.
    • Look, here are the rules about animals on the subway. (Gothamist)
    • Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez is finally putting forward his bill to mandate 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year. (NYDN)
    • Could the rumors be true? Could the city be finally closing the gap in the Second Avenue bike lane near the Queensboro Bridge? (Billy Freeland via Twitter)
    • Usually when you say "He is risen!" on Easter, you're talking about Christ. This year, you'll be talking about the subway fare. (amNY)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Tuesday’s Headlines: Don’t Look Up Edition

It's hard to believe that it's going to rain again today, plus other more important news.

September 26, 2023

Another Flip-Flop: City Hall Allegedly Pauses Almost-Done Underhill Ave. Bike Boulevard

City Hall is intervening in yet another street redesign project, and supporters fear it could be the start of dismantling other improvements.

September 26, 2023

Analysis: Everyone Agrees — Less Parking Means More Housing

Let's take a second-day look at Mayor Adams's "City of Yes" zoning proposal to do away with mandatory parking in new developments.

September 25, 2023

What is the Life of a Dead Pedestrian Worth?

A cop laughed that a normal person is only worth $11,000 — and that figure was partly due to his racism, but also how little we value the lives of people on foot.

September 25, 2023

Monday’s Headlines: ‘What is Up With All These Flip-Flops, Mayor?’ Edition

It's the same old story with this mayor and his chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin. Plus other news.

September 25, 2023
See all posts