B61 Split Into Two Routes
I apologize for the lack of updates recently as I have been extremely busy with business. However let me catch up on a few notes sent to me by the MTA. The first is to note that starting in January 2010, the B61 will be split into two routes. The new routes will be the B61 & B62. Here are the complete details courtesy of MTA NYC Transit:
In order to improve service reliability, the B61 bus route will be divided into two shorter routes – the B61 and B62, MTA NYC Transit announced today. Currently, the B61 route is 9.7 miles long, linking Brooklyn’s Red Hook section with Queens Plaza. The route is subject to delays due to traffic congestion, especially in the area of Downtown Brooklyn. The B61 serves approximately 18,500 customers on weekdays, 10,800 on Saturdays and 7,400 on Sundays.
“In responding to feedback from customers and community organizations who have long complained about the unreliability of B61 service, we are breaking up one long, cumbersome route into two that will be more manageable, both of which will be more reliable than the single route that exists today,” said NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr.
The southern B61 route will travel between the Ikea Terminal in Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn (Smith Street and Livingston Street). The northern B62 route will travel between Downtown Brooklyn (Boerum Place and Livingston Street) and Queens Plaza and will be rerouted past the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal. Taking the route past the bus terminal will allow a Transit dispatcher to monitor the route, thus increasing reliability and providing more convenient road reliefs for bus operators.
“We recognize that there are rapidly growing new residential areas along the Williamsburg waterfront,” added Roberts. “The B62 will also provide convenient bus and subway connections for these customers to the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza transit hub which is served by six bus routes and the Marcy Avenue JMZ subway station.” Implementation is planned for January 2010.
I have never personally ridden the B61 but know many who have. While the route is extremely useful, it frustrates those who depend on it mainly due to the traffic issues it faces on a daily basis. I think splitting the route into two is an excellent idea & I applaud the MTA for finding a way to more than likely improve service.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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