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Shuttle Buses Replace SIR Trains

Posted by
on May 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm

This weekend, the Staten Island Railway will feature a service diversion that should be noted by those who use it. Shuttle buses will replace trains between Pleasant Plains & Tottenville. Here are the complete details which were sent to me by the MTA yesterday:

In order to accommodate a New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC) project this weekend, free shuttle buses will replace Staten Island Railway train service between the Pleasant Plains and Tottenville stations. This work is part of a larger city project to control the discharge of storm water and prevent roadway flooding.

From 9 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, free shuttle buses will be available at the Pleasant Plains, Richmond Valley, Nassau, Atlantic and Tottenville stations. SIR customers in this area should allow for at least 15 minutes of extra travel time.

Customers may call our Travel Information Center at 718-330-1234 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or log onto www.tripplanner.mta.info to use Trip Planner to plan their trips. Customers with web-enabled phones or PDAs can use our Trip Planner On-The-Go! by going to www.tripplanner.mta.info/mobile; in addition to planning their trips, Blackberry users can download the free icon for one touch access to the service.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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0

Riders Asked To Grade Local Manhattan Bus Service

Posted by
on May 22nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm

While most of the Rider Report Card coverage focuses on the subways, the opinions of bus riders is also a concern of MTA New York City Transit. Earlier today, I received a press release to share with my readers which was to announce that riders will now have the chance to rate local Manhattan bus routes. Here are the complete details:

MTA New York City Transit today announced that local bus customers in Manhattan will be given a second chance to rate their rides for the next three consecutive weeks when Rider Report Cards are once again distributed within many neighborhoods throughout the borough.

The distribution in Manhattan follows that in the Bronx, where approximately 44,000 cards were distributed through Friday, May 22nd. Manhattan bus customers will be able to rate various aspects of service such as “Reasonable wait times between buses,” “Seat availability,” “Smooth handling of bus,” “Courtesy of bus operators and dispatchers,” and “Reliability of wheelchair lifts.”

Report Cards will be distributed at key locations in Manhattan during the morning rush periods as follows:

• Tuesday, May 26 in Washington Heights

• Wednesday, May 27 on West 125th Street

• Thursday, May 28 on East 125th Street

• Monday, June 1 on East 86th Street

• Tuesday, June 2 on West 34th Street

• Wednesday, June 3 on East 34th Street

• Thursday, June 4 on West 14th Street

• Tuesday, June 9 on East 14th Street

• Wed., June 10 at Lexington Ave. on cross-town bus routes from 68th to 116th Sts.

• Thursday, June 11 at 8th Avenue on cross-town bus routes from 23rd to 57th Streets

• Friday, June 12 onboard the M8 and M22 buses

As before, riders are being asked to mark the route they ride, and then provide a letter grade – A through F or G for “not observed” – for each of the 20 different service attributes listed, as well as a grade for the overall performance of the route. Rider Report Cards will be issued in a self-mailer format.

Riders can also go on line, www.mta.info, to fill out report cards in English, Chinese and Spanish. The survey in Manhattan concludes distribution of the Rider Report Cards this second go round; the last day on-line and mail responses will be accepted is June 26.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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0

Select Bus Service Honor System Fails

Posted by
on May 22nd, 2009 at 11:17 am

One of the best transit innovations to come to NYC in recent memory was Select Bus Service. Select Bus Service (which is currently running on the Bx12) is “a new type of rapid bus operation employing advance fare payment, dedicated travel lanes and traffic signal priority.” The service initially debuted to knee jerk reactions by a select few but for the most part was well received by transit advocates & riders.

However as is usually the case in life, everything is not as picture perfect as people would like it to be. One of the major issues that faced SBS from day one was fare evasion. The MTA realized this & initially planned to step up fare payment enforcement. They even announced that they were teaming with the NYPD to crack down on fare evaders.

Unfortunately it seems clear that their efforts have not been enough to deter fare evaders. According to a recent report in the New York Daily News, the “honor system” of fare payment has failed miserably. Mike Jaccarino has more:

Fare-beaters are running rampant over the honor system that governs Bx12 Select Bus Service buses in the Bronx – at the very time the cash-strapped MTA needs the money most.

Bronx Boro News counted five farebeaters within one hour on a recent day, 23 more in a half-hour another day, and 15 more within an hour another day, all at the Williamsbridge Road stop on Pelham Parkway.

“They’re not checking, so why should I pay?” said one man. “I pay enough for everything else in this world.”

A youngster who beat the fare at first protested that he had purchased a ticket – but only grinned when asked to show it.

Click here for the complete report.

I support Select Bus Service & other initiatives like it that improve mass transit in our region. However with saying that, I feel the MTA & NYPD have dropped the ball here. We as riders have a legal responsibility to pay for our fares when we board some form of public transportation.

While it would be nice to live in a world where people do the right thing & pay their fare, it is unrealistic to think this will happen 100% of the time. So it then becomes the responsibility of the MTA & law enforcement officials to enforce proper fare payment. Anything less is completely unacceptable to the MTA & the riders it serves who do the right thing & pay their fare.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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1

LIRR Marks Start Of Summer Season Service

Posted by
on May 21st, 2009 at 11:49 pm

Still sticking with the theme of press releases sent to me today, the Long Island Rail Road announces the start of Summer Season service. Here are the complete details:

The Memorial Day weekend heralds the start of MTA Long Island Rail Road service to the Hamptons and Montauk and summer packages to Jones Beach, Long Beach and Fire Island.

SUMMER SERVICE TO THE HAMPTONS, MONTAUK AND NORTH FORK:

May 22 marks the start of the LIRR’s Friday afternoon service to the Hamptons and Montauk for the summer season. The following trains operate each Friday during the summer:

• The 1:57 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue (connecting at Jamaica with the 1:53 PM train from Penn Station), arriving Montauk at 4:45 PM.

• The 4:06 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue (The Cannonball – the LIRR’s premier express train, connecting at Jamaica with the 3:58 PM train from Penn Station), arriving Montauk at 6:48 PM (this train also operates Thursdays during the summer starting May 21).

• The 5:09 PM train from Penn Station (connecting at Jamaica with the 5:11 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue), arriving Montauk at 8:29 PM.

• The 7:38 PM train from Jamaica (connecting at Jamaica with the 7:11 PM train from Penn Station and the 6:41 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue), arriving Montauk at 10:10 PM.

• The 3:55 pm train from Penn Station (connecting at Jamaica with the 3:56 PM from Flatbush Avenue), (changing at Ronkonkoma at 5:16 PM), and arriving at Greenport at 6:45 PM.

START OF WEEKEND BEACH SERVICE:

The Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of LIRR summer package tickets to Jones Beach State Park, Long Beach and Fire Island. These special tickets will be available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays throughout the summer; and for daily service starting in June.

Jones Beach: Featuring one of the world’s finest beaches, Jones Beach State Park offers miles of sandy beaches and refreshing ocean surf. A two-mile-long boardwalk, games, playgrounds, and swimming pools are also available at the park. The discounted package ticket includes round trip rail fare to Freeport and MTA Long Island Bus service via the N88 to and from the Central Mall, and the East and West Bath Houses at Jones Beach. The special package fare is $16.50 from New York or Brooklyn, and $13.50 from Jamaica.

Trains leave Penn Station, Brooklyn and Jamaica approximately every half-hour. Connecting buses, from MTA Long Island Bus, leave Freeport starting at 8:49 AM and return up to 5:35 PM on weekends; and 8:58 AM and return up to 10:45 PM on weekdays. Buses run later on concert evenings. Bus times change June 21 through August 31. Buses leave Freeport starting at 8:06 AM and return up to 10:45 PM on weekends; and 8:58 AM and return up to 10:45 PM on weekdays.

LIRR customers can save by using the LIRR Jones Beach Package ticket to performances at The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Bus service is available both before and following each performance, and the package remains available through the final concert date. Weekday service to Jones Beach begins June 29 and continues through September 7. Weekend service starts May 23 and holidays.

Long Beach: Enjoy the ambiance of a seaside resort, just a short train ride from Penn Station, Brooklyn or Jamaica. Just a few blocks from the LIRR’s Long Beach Station, Long Beach offers unsurpassed ocean swimming and an almost endless boardwalk. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round trip rail fare to Long Beach and admission to the beach.

The special package fare is $19.00 from New York or Brooklyn, and $16.00 from Jamaica. Hourly service is available from Penn Station, Brooklyn and Jamaica; with direct weekend service from Penn Station. Weekday service begins June 22 and continues through September 7. Weekend service starts May 23 and holidays.

The LIRR offers special packages to nine Fire Island beach locations. Fire Island provides an opportunity to leave the car behind and enjoy miles of boardwalk, trails and pristine beaches.

Robert Moses: Located on the western tip of Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park offers world-class sand and surf in a casual, less-crowded atmosphere. The LIRR’s Robert Moses discounted package ticket includes round-trip rail fare to Babylon and bus transportation to the beach. The special package fare is $19.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $15.00 from Jamaica.

The connecting S47 bus service, provided by Suffolk Transit, from Babylon Station to Robert Moses operates approximately every half-hour on weekends; hourly on weekdays. The last bus departs Robert Moses at 6:30 PM. Daily service begins June 22 and continues through September 7.

Kismet/Fire Island Lighthouse (Ferry from Bay Shore): Intensely informal, car-free and easygoing, Kismet is known as a great community with something for everyone. Amenities include a couple of full service restaurants, two public tennis courts, a basketball court, and playground area. Just a half-mile from the beach is the 150 year-old Fire Island Lighthouse. General admission is included in the package.

A climb to the top of the lighthouse provides a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, Fire Island, Long Island and the Manhattan Skyline. It’s perfect for individuals, families, or groups. The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions.

The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website at www.fireislandferries.com. The special package fare is $34.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $33.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $19.00; Children must be at least 42” tall to climb the lighthouse. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through September 7.

Ocean Beach (Ferry from Bay Shore): Home to over a dozen restaurants, hotels, and endless attractions such as sidewalk sales, live bands, and innumerable shops and boutiques, Ocean Beach is truly the ‘cosmopolitan’ center of Fire Island. For the ultimate seafood experience by the water, or to just unwind and take in the charming atmosphere, Ocean Beach has it all and it’s a great family destination.

The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions. The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website at www.fireislandferries.com. The special package fare is $30.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $29.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $15.00. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through September 7.

Ocean Bay Park (Ferry from Bay Shore): One of the most relaxed of the Fire Island communities, Ocean Bay Park has a mix of families and singles. Bay-front dining is available at two of the four restaurants. There is also a grocery store, two pizza places and a bagel shop.

The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions.

The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website at www.fireislandferries.com. The special package fare is $30.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $29.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $15.00. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through September 7.

Cherry Grove (Ferry from Sayville): Time has no meaning on Fire Island (just remember your ferry & train times). You’ll think you’ve entered a different world. Lay on the beach, and let yourself go. Push your toes through the warm sand. Relax, dine and dance, and indulge yourself. The shops and restaurants are all brilliantly colored and built on multi-levels, so you can find something for everyone.

The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from Cherry Grove on Fire Island. The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website at www.sayvilleferry.com. The special package fare is $30.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $29.50 from Jamaica. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through Sept. 7.

Fire Island Pines (Ferry from Sayville): “The Pines” named for the beautiful wind-sculpted pine trees, is truly an architectural paradise and the largest community on the Island. When you approach from the Bay side, you are reminded almost of Monte Carlo or the south of France. Colorful umbrella-spiked tables on the wide terraces of outdoor bars & restaurants form the picturesque harbor. Populated in good part by members of the world of fashion and design, it is well known for its upscale social life and beautiful harbor.

The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from the Fire Island Pines on Fire Island. The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website at www.sayvilleferry.com. The special package fare is $30.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $29.50 from Jamaica. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through Sept. 7.

Sunken Forest (Ferry from Sayville): Sunbathe on a pristine ocean beach or take a nature walk through the beautiful and enchanted Sunken Forest at Sailors’ Haven. The Parks Department provides free guided tours. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from Sunken Forest on Fire Island.

The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website at www.sayvilleferry.com. The special package fare is $26.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $25.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $16.00. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through Sept. 7.

Watch Hill (Ferry from Patchogue): Lounge in the sun on a peaceful beach on the secluded shores of Fire Island or walk the nature trails. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Patchogue and connecting ferry service to and from Fire Island.

The Watch Hill ferry terminal is only a short walk from the Patchogue Station. The Davis Park Ferry Company can be contacted at 631-475-1665 or on their website at www.davisparkferry.com. The special package fare is $26.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $20.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $14.00. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through September 7.

Davis Park (Ferry from Patchogue): On one end, a huge boat-filled marina, on the other magnificent ocean waves form this community’s great landscape. After swimming, walking or sunbathing on the beach, enjoy the local popular restaurant and bar, with live music and dancing on the weekends. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Patchogue, Lindy’s Taxi service to the Davis Park Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island.

The Davis Park Ferry Company can be contacted at 631-475-1665 or on their website at www.davisparkferry.com. The special package fare is $30.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $29.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $22.00. Daily service begins May 23 and continues through September 7.

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Manhattan Bus Changes Take Effect Memorial Day

Posted by
on May 21st, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Earlier today, the MTA sent me a press release to talk about Manhattan bus route changes that will take effect on Memorial Day. Here are the complete details:

MTA NYC Transit announces that, effective Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, route changes will take effect on the M5, M7, M10, M20, M27, M30 and M104 bus routes. Additionally, the M6 bus route will be eliminated after its last trip on Sunday, May 24.

These Manhattan route modifications are required due to the changes in midtown traffic which will affect traffic on Broadway between 59th Street-Columbus Circle and 23rd Street.

The specific routes changes are as follows:

M5:
The M5 will make local stops northbound between Houston Street and 14th Street. All northbound Limited stops in this segment will be converted to local stops.

M7:
The new southbound route will take the M7 from Central Park South, south on 7th Avenue, east on West 14th Street, north on 6th Avenue, to a layover along 6th Avenue north of 14th Street. The northbound route will begin at 6th Avenue and West 14th Street.

M10:
The new southbound M10 route will travel south around Columbus Circle, east on Central Park South, south via 7th Avenue to West 31st Street. The northbound route remains the same.

M20:
The new southbound route will travel east on Central Park South from Columbus Circle, south on 7th Avenue and continue on the regular route. There are no changes on the northbound route.

M27:
The westbound M27 will now turn south on 7th Avenue from 49th Street and continue on the regular route. The eastbound route remains the same.

M30:
The eastbound M30 will travel east on West 58th Street, south on 7th Avenue and continue on the normal route. No change to westbound service.

M104:
The southbound M104 will turn east on Central Park South from Columbus Circle, then south on 7th Avenue and continue regular route east on 42nd Street. The northbound route remains the same.

M6:
The route is being discontinued. However, NYC Transit is increasing service on the M1 route, which will now operate to South Ferry during the evenings and on weekends. The M20 will be extended to South Ferry from Battery Park City beginning on June 28th, and northbound M5 stops between Houston St. and 14th Street will be converted to all local stops.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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