BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2012
ATTENDANCE:
P. BASILE W. BLUM S. BURZIO
J. COHN D. GIULIANO D. GORDON
E. MCCLURE A. MCKNIGHT T. MISKEL
L. NAPOLITANO M. PETTIT G. REILLY
R. RIGOLLI R. SLOANE J. THOMPSON
M. VERRET
EXCUSED:
J. ARMER
ABSENT:
D. ABRAHAM D. DECOSTANZO J. HEYER
GUESTS:
HON. BRAD LANDER – CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
M. FREEDMAN-SCHNAPP – REP. FOR HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL
MEMBER
M. GREEN – REP. FOR HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
C. ZINNEL - REP. FOR HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
D. WILEY – REP. FOR HON. NYDIA VELAZQUEZ, MEMBER OF CONGRESS
L. BRANCH – BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
***MINUTES***
The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm.commenced at 6:40 pm.
Presentation and discussion with representatives for Council Member Brad Lander on “Next Bus Please: Improving the B61 Bus,” a report that assesses the level and quality of bus service along the B61 line.
The Co-chair, Steve Burzio introduced Councilman Lander who explained the study process and introduced the team from his office who conducted the study – Michael Freedman-Schnapp and Matt Green. Data was collected by volunteers on over 700 bus runs.
Four bus lines serving Community Board 6 have been eliminated since 2005. Only two bus lines remain with only one serving Red Hook.
Findings: 7% of all B61 buses arrive outside of acceptable headway times. B61 buses arrive late and experience “bunching” in the A.M. and P.M. hours. B61 buses carry many more passengers than the loading guidelines prescribed by the
MTA.
B61 buses bypass stops when over-crowded. 42% of buses bypassed stops between 8 A.M. and 9 A.M. 23% bypassed stops between 5 P.M. and 6 P.M. Closure of Smith/9th Street subway station has caused hardship for passengers.
Recommendations: Increase service during peak ridership hours B61 should be included in MTA “Bus Time” programs as soon as possible. Stop improvements at Smith/9th Street stop to include a new bus shelter, countdown clock, lighting, street trees, planters and bike share. Route improvements - Extend B57 line into Red Hook - B61/B103 transfer - Improve B61 route across the BQE
Operational improvements: - Measure impact of the operation of the 9th Street lift bridge - Alter route of Park Slope bound B61 to provide a more direct route across the BQE - Eliminate stops where excessively close together.
Committee comments: More enforcement by Police to keep traffic moving on Van Brunt and Columbia Streets. Has off-board fare collection been considered? Lack of loading zones contributes to delays. Lack of investment in bus transit is primary issue. School bus garages in Red Hook significantly contribute to congestion, resulting in delays. State funding level is a primary issue.
Actions by Council Member Lander’s office: Lander’s office will meet with the MTA Presented report at MTA Board meeting. Met with bus drivers union. Publicizing issue.
A motion by Eric McClure to endorse the recommendations presented in the report and to urge any agencies involved to implement the recommendations was seconded by Marilyn Pettit.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
A motion to approve to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on November 17, 2011 was made by Andrea McKnight and seconded by Roger Rigolli.
A motion to adjourn was made by Gary Reilly and seconded by Eric McClure.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 P.M. The minutes were submitted by Roy Sloane