New express bus system: Midtown commuters upset by fewer options

Updated ; Posted
Many commuters have complained about the consolidation of express bus return trips on Fifth Avenue. (Courtesy of MTA)
Many commuters have complained about the consolidation of express bus return trips on Fifth Avenue. (Courtesy of MTA)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As Staten Island's new express bus system continues to rapidly approach implementation on Sunday, Aug. 19, some Midtown commuters have voiced their concerns with the reduced return trip options.

The 11 buses traveling from Staten Island to Midtown -- SIM3, SIM6, SIM8, SIM10, SIM22, SIM23, SIM24, SIM25, SIM26, SIM30 and SIM31 -- all travel along Fifth Avenue during the return trip, leaving Manhattan from either 23rd Street or 42nd Street. 

These modifications have left those working in areas no longer serviced, like the Upper East Side, upset that their trips home may have been extended due to the changes in service.

"Having to travel from the East Side by the river and FDR to Fifth Avenue during rush hour traffic will add at least an additional 30 minutes each evening, not even including the added time to that during bad weather -- like rain and snow storms or icy roads and conditions," said rider Virginia Koon.

"My office is on Lexington & East 42nd Street. The new Fifth Avenue route back to Staten Island means I will have to walk up to East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, passing Park Avenue and Madison Avenue to get to Fifth Avenue in the dead of winter, snow, snowstorms, hot weather, etc.," said rider Annette Mari.

Commuters said they feel as though the consolidation of express bus routes into a few select areas will have a greater impact than initially perceived by the MTA.

"What about the travelers who work on First, Second and Third avenues? Did anyone from Transit ever take into consideration the travelers on the above avenues? Did anyone ever travel back to Staten Island during rush hour?" asked Mari.

"Also, with every bus traveler waiting for all buses on Fifth Avenue as well as normal tourist traffic, problems will arise," said rider Laura Scafiddi.

Riders said they feel as though the issues could be easily resolved by restoring express bus service to the Upper East Side.

"I'm not sure why there would be an issue in keeping or adding a return in the afternoon/evening route along Lexington Avenue in Midtown like there is now before the August 19th kick-off date," said Koon.

During a recent Twitter chat with MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford, the MTA defended the consolidation of routes onto Fifth Avenue by claiming it was the most convenient location for the highest number of riders.