Hundreds of Bronx and Upper Manhattan bus riders have come together to sign a letter addressed to Mayor Eric Adams, urging him to reconsider the implementation of a busway on Fordham Road. This initiative comes after plans for the busway were scrapped due to protests from local business owners. The letter, organized by the Riders Alliance and sent on Oct. 21, has garnered 540 signatures from commuters who are frustrated with the slow and congested bus service they face daily on one of the busiest transit corridors in the city.
Fordham Road sees approximately 85,000 commuters relying on buses each day, with multiple bus lines, including the Bx12, operating along the route. The proposed busway aimed to alleviate congestion and improve commute times for these riders, similar to the success seen on other busways in Manhattan. However, the plan was met with opposition from local politicians and businesses concerned about potential impacts on customer traffic.
Despite efforts to repaint existing bus lanes in 2023, bus speeds on the Bx12 route have only marginally improved, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive solution. The letter emphasizes the importance of addressing current conditions on Fordham Road to enhance the overall commuter experience. While bus speeds on the Bx12 route are higher than citywide averages, New York City’s buses still face significant challenges due to traffic congestion.
Mayor Adams has faced criticism for his handling of transit projects, with advocates accusing him of prioritizing business interests over improving public transportation. The administration’s track record on building new bus and bike lanes has been disappointing, with only a fraction of the required lanes being completed in the first two years of Adams’ mayoralty. This has left many commuters frustrated with the lack of progress on critical infrastructure projects.
Amidst ongoing investigations and challenges within the administration, advocates see an opportunity to push for the completion of stalled street projects, including the Fordham Road busway. Recent developments, such as the reversal of the McGuinness Boulevard bike lane project, indicate a potential shift in priorities that could benefit public transportation initiatives. As commuters continue to voice their concerns and push for improvements, the fate of the Fordham Road busway remains uncertain, but the momentum for change is growing stronger.
