Some bus riders in Westchester County have been spared a painful service cut after weeks of protesting the elimination of a critical bus route into Manhattan. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced on Thursday that the Bee-Line BxM4C bus, which provides express service along Central Avenue with stops in White Plains, Greenburgh and Yonkers to Midtown Manhattan, would not be eliminated as planned but instead cut back. The plan incorporates suggestions made by BxM4C commuters, lawmakers, and property owners residing along the corridor to increase the fare from $5.50 to $8.50 and provide mostly weekday peak-hour service. Tri-State testified against the cuts at a crowded April 14 public hearing.
The county DOT had proposed cutting or reducing bus service on the BxM4C and 12 additional bus routes in response to budget cuts issued by County Executive Astorino and the prospect of reduced state aid. The service cuts would save $2.2 million in 2010 and $4.4 million annually, according to a county fact sheet distributed at the hearing.
So far, Astorino has only discussed a plan for the BxM4C. Relief for riders of the other routes might be on the way if Astorino signs a budget amendment passed by county lawmakers that would transfer $1.5 million to DOT, offsetting the rest of the service cuts in 2010. Lawmakers announced the amendment last week, before the BxM4C was saved, and also introduced a resolution directing DOT to maintain peak-hour service on the route and even a local law to abolish Westchester DOT.
According to the county press release, the BxM4C may not prove feasible in 2011 and Astorino “will continue his talks with the MTA and state and county officials about regional transportation issues that affect bus operations and funding.” (Astorino has previously suggested that the MTA extend its BxM4B Bronx-Manhattan bus into Yonkers.) As Patricia Einhorn of the Westchester County Planning Department pointed out in testimony at the hearing on Bee-Line service reductions, Westchester County does not receive money from the payroll tax enacted last year to help the MTA. If Bee-Line were part of a regional bus agency under the MTA, it would benefit from this dedicated funding stream for transit.
As it stands, Bee-Line may lose some of the state transit aid it does get. Under Gov. Paterson’s proposed budget, Westchester County would receive $3.6 million less than anticipated from the state’s Transit Operating Assistance program.
Image: Flickr/dustytrails2divide.
Re; BxM4C By making this trip $17 round trip to Manhattan, there will be a great decrease in ridership. Then it will be said not enough people use it so it should be eliminated. We definitely need this bus. Our property values will decline without it. The alternate transportation suggested (the bus to the train)is impossible for the elderly and handicapped. Driving into Manhattan is too expensive to park and makes more pollution. Yes, save the bus line but at a price people can afford!!
I did my part to save the 4C in November of 2008 by not voting for Rob Astorino, as he seemed to be an inept, sorry excuse for a candidate and unfortunately I was correct, as he exhibits those traits as the new county exec. Cutting essential services and screwing over working people is his MO.
Perhaps Mr. Astorino doesn’t mind sending his wife, daughters or other female loved ones to take the 4 train through the Bronx after dark and on weekends? Then to wait at the stop and get on the 20 or 21? Because then he might not be so quick to send the rest of us into the lions’ den. The blood of anyone harmed during their commute on this notoriously rough train is on his hands. Not to mention, it’s extremely inconvenient.
Raising the price is simply an excuse to cut the service as ridership goes down. What an affront to his elderly and disabled constituency. What a slap in the face to those of us who rely on this bus. Perhaps if the wealthy, kept women who call themselves Westchester County housewives protested, the bus service would remain intact, as well as have additional service.
Next election cycle, I will donate as much money as possible and as many hours volunteering as I can to make sure this idiot is no longer in public office. that’s the only way to really save this route.