Malliotakis, Local Electeds Release Joint Statement on Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign Plan

(BROOKLYN, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Assemblymembers Michael Tannousis, Alec Brook-Krasny, William Colton, Lester Chang, and Council Members Ari Kagan and Kalman Yeger released the following statement regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign plan that unfairly targets Southern Brooklyn by leaving many residents without reliable public transportation options.

"As officials who represent diverse and aging communities, we're extremely concerned that the MTA's proposed Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign plan would negatively impact our most vulnerable constituents who rely on the city's bus services to commute to work, school, and important appointments. Thus far, the MTA's outreach efforts to these communities have been insufficient, leaving many residents confused and concerned about what happens next. Additionally, the MTA has received billions in federal funding and has access to funding through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, so there is absolutely no excuse for service cuts or cost savings. Before the MTA removes and spaces stops further apart, we urge the city to release all utilization and implementation data to ensure the public has ample time to review and respond to any proposed changes."

According to Community Boards 10 and 11, the following proposed route changes would have the greatest negative impact on the community:

• B1 South: Proposal would remove the stop which will be the new middle school at 86th St & 7th Ave.
• B4: Proposal would change the route to travel to Sheepshead Bay. The line needs to continue to Coney Island Hospital and schools such as Grady High School.
• B6: Proposal would remove route from Shore Parkway which is used by shoppers and workers for stores (BJs, Caesars Bay). The next nearest stop would require pedestrians to cross dangerous intersections along Bay Parkway by the Belt Parkway.
• B8: Proposal would remove two stops in both directions outside the VA hospital.
• B37: Proposal would remove stops in both directions by Foodtown which are currently heavily utilized.
• B64: Proposal would change the route to end at 4th Avenue and Bay Ridge Avenue. Currently it goes to Narrows Avenue and leaves from Shore Road. 
• Affects students attending Xaverian High School, residents going to local parks and the pier. 
• New express ferry service is at the pier - there would be no bus service to ferry on Shore Road. 
• New Bay Ridge Center opening soon – there would be no bus service to get there.
• Residents would not be able to get to train line on 4th Avenue.
• Proposal would remove the stop at Narrows Avenue on the B9. The next closest stop is Colonial Road & 69 Street.
• Express busses to Manhattan: Proposal would remove stops in Midtown Manhattan and cut off-peak times, forcing seniors to lose their reduced fare.