In the heart of Brooklyn, a group of public transit riders and supporters gathered on a sunny Sunday to demand better bus service on Flatbush Avenue. The rally, organized by the Riders Alliance, turned into a political event with appearances from City Comptroller Brad Lander and Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, both vying for the mayor’s seat in the upcoming 2025 election.
The riders, not thrilled with the current state of bus service, voiced their concerns about the lack of improvement in recent years. Lander emphasized the crucial role of transit in the city’s daily life, while Mamdani criticized the slow average bus speed of 8 miles per hour in NYC. The attendees, including one disappointed rider named Abbey, expressed frustration over promised improvements that never materialized, such as the Fordham Road busway that was supposed to ease their commutes but never came to fruition.
Riders Alliance, in response to the dismal public transit records of leading mayoral candidates, launched a political arm to push for a real “bus mayor” who prioritizes the needs of bus riders. Executive Director Betsy Plum called out Mayor Eric Adams’ failure to fulfill his promise of being a bus mayor and criticized former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for neglecting public transit projects during his tenure. The organization aims to educate voters on candidates’ records and advocate for significant improvements in bus service along Flatbush Avenue, a vital artery in Brooklyn’s transportation network. The rally highlighted the urgency of electing a mayor who values public transit and is committed to addressing the challenges faced by bus riders in NYC.
