Free buses in NYC?

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Free buses in NYC?
Posted by italianstallion on Fri Mar 20 18:41:50 2020 How else could it be if boarding by rear doors? MTA, TWU and ATU Announce Rear-Door Boarding On All Local & SBS Buses Beginning Monday, March 23 Until Further Notice Starting Monday, March 23 Rear-Door Boarding Will Go into Effect on Local & Select Bus Service New York City Transit Moving Healthcare Workers, First Responders and Essential Personnel; Operators, Customers Instructed to Keep Six Feet Away from Others MTA New York City Transit, Transport Workers Union and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) today announced a new rear-door boarding policy on all buses, beginning on Monday, March 23. The new policy is the latest action taken by NYC Transit, TWU and ATU to protect frontline employees from the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Customers will board and exit all local and Select Bus Service (SBS) buses using the rear doors. Express bus customers will board as normal, but will not be permitted to sit in the first three rows of the bus to ensure customers are a safe social distance from bus operators. ADA customers will still be permitted to board at the front of all local and SBS buses, and board as usual on express buses. Regular fare policy remains in effect wherever on-board payment boxes or SBS off-board ticket machines continue to be accessible. “While Governor Cuomo has ordered non-essential workers beginning Sunday night to remain in their homes and not take mass transit, we are taking aggressive action to protect our thousands of frontline employees who are delivering a critical service to New York, moving the healthcare workers, first responders, utility workers, and essential employees who are protecting us from this public health crisis,” said MTA Chairman and CEO, Pat Foye. “Transit workers are the lifeblood of this city and region and we are going to do everything we can to protect their health and safety.” “I want to thank the 51,000 men and women of New York City Transit who are on the frontlines of this crisis and saving lives by keeping this city moving,” said Interim President of NYC Transit, Sarah Feinberg. “Rear-door boarding will help ensure a safe social distance. The safety of our employees and customers is priority one.” “We know we are essential workers providing an essential service during this national emergency – but we also need to be protected to the greatest extent possible,” said President of TWU Local 100, Tony Utano. “This is the right move. It will better protect our Bus Operators, give them some peace of mind, and demonstrate that their concerns have been heard.” “I applaud our entire membership of ATU Local 1056 for the tireless work they do every day. This coalition of unions acknowledges the MTA for recognizing their concerns by acting on this initiative,” said President and Business Agent, ATU Local 1056, Mark Henry. “Rear doors access is necessary given the way our state, our city and our nation are dealing with coronavirus. We pray for all residents as the health risks are great and unknown; together we will overcome the challenges before us.” “We thank our members for continuing to work in these trying times and appreciate the MTA for listening to bus operators and taking effective action,” said President and Business Agent, ATU Local 726, Daniel Cassella. “We also recognize maintenance workers for their rigorous daily disinfecting of the buses. Hopefully the public will listen to the governor and travel only when essential.” “I applaud our entire membership of ATU Local 1056 for the tireless work they do every day. This coalition of unions acknowledges the MTA for recognizing their concerns by acting on this initiative,” said President and Business Agent, ATU Local 1056, Mark Henry. “Rear doors access is necessary given the way our state, our city and our nation are dealing with coronavirus. We pray for all residents as the health risks are great and unknown; together we will overcome the challenges before us.”
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by JAzumah* on Fri Mar 20 19:26:58 2020, in response to Free buses in NYC?, posted by italianstallion on Fri Mar 20 18:41:50 2020.* This is dumb. The express bus policy is fine. On local buses, simply lock the seats next to the driver in the upright position. This will move all of the customers towards the back of the bus. They are going to destroy the bus schedules doing this.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by B1bus* on Fri Mar 20 19:36:26 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by JAzumah on Fri Mar 20 19:26:58 2020.* Noone is going to be allowed to ride the system starting Sunday night anyway.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Fri Mar 20 20:28:22 2020, in response to Free buses in NYC?, posted by italianstallion on Fri Mar 20 18:41:50 2020.* SBS buses already allow boarding by the rear doors, and you have to have your little receipt in case they check up on you, which they probably won't very often.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Fri Mar 20 20:29:11 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by JAzumah on Fri Mar 20 19:26:58 2020.* They are going to destroy the bus schedules doing this. The buses are only 20% full or so.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Bill from Maspeth* on Fri Mar 20 20:47:11 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by B1bus on Fri Mar 20 19:36:26 2020.* Nobody? Doctors, nurses, cops, firemen, sanitation men, transit workers, mail me, food service workers will be riding the bus because not everybody has a car or drives to work.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by italianstallion* on Fri Mar 20 20:51:17 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by B1bus on Fri Mar 20 19:36:26 2020.* False. Anyone can ride. You can ride for fun if you want. Travel is not banned.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by TransitChuckG* on Fri Mar 20 22:53:24 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Fri Mar 20 20:28:22 2020.* free rides
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Kevin from Midwood* on Fri Mar 20 23:21:20 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by TransitChuckG on Fri Mar 20 22:53:24 2020.* Even though that contradicts the press release, an MTA spokesperson told Dan Rivoli that fare collection won't take place on local buses.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Fri Mar 20 23:35:13 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Kevin from Midwood on Fri Mar 20 23:21:20 2020.* We have gotten to the point where we will be in an 8 week mode similar to the 2003 blackout. No bus fare collection, everyone working for the good of NYC/NYS/USA.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Sat Mar 21 03:12:25 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by TransitChuckG on Fri Mar 20 22:53:24 2020.* Only on local buses. Riders will still be asked to pay for select bus rides at on-street payment boxes, officials said. On express buses, which only have one door, riders will also have to pay a fare, but will not be allowed to sit in the first three rows of seats.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Joe V* on Sat Mar 21 08:36:45 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by italianstallion on Fri Mar 20 20:51:17 2020.* Even if casual travel were to be banned, transit trips to essential services like grocery and drug stores are permissible.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by BrooklynBus* on Sat Mar 21 10:42:12 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Kevin from Midwood on Fri Mar 20 23:21:20 2020.* So what does the statement that on board fare collection machines will be in effect when operable mean? If the operators shut down the machines and rides are indeed free, how can they expect you to pay for SBS? This is very confusing.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by italianstallion* on Sat Mar 21 10:47:48 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Joe V on Sat Mar 21 08:36:45 2020.* Yes, of course.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by New Flyer #857* on Sat Mar 21 12:34:01 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by BrooklynBus on Sat Mar 21 10:42:12 2020.* If the curbside machines stay operable, then you can pay. Now how many actually will is another story. It's just like how under normal conditions everyone supposedly, theoretically, and ever so politely, pays their fare upon exiting their SBS vehicle when the machine at the origin was broken! You can do that, but I can't see how that can be reliably enforced, or even noticed by anyone.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by JAzumah* on Sat Mar 21 12:36:11 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Sat Mar 21 03:12:25 2020.* The express bus should either be free or $2.75 as well. Otherwise, their operating costs should be kept out of the emergency budget.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by BrooklynTrain* on Sat Mar 21 12:55:14 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by JAzumah on Sat Mar 21 12:36:11 2020.* The express bus costs $$$$$ to operate. That fare should remain to depress ridership. There are alternatives like a free local bus and a subway.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by BrooklynTrain* on Sat Mar 21 12:56:21 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by New Flyer #857 on Sat Mar 21 12:34:01 2020.* Why would people take a chance that the "group of ~10" will suddenly board and check receipts on a SBS bus? People looking to save money will migrate to the free nearby local buses.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by davidy* on Sat Mar 21 21:38:30 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by BrooklynBus on Sat Mar 21 10:42:12 2020.* Express busses will be operational with boarding through front door being that is the only door. sbs pays curbside. operators don't control these machines!
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by JAzumah* on Sun Mar 22 02:43:18 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by BrooklynTrain on Sat Mar 21 12:55:14 2020.* Who has the money to run empty buses? Isn't this why we knock the city ferry system?
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by TerrApin Station* on Sun Mar 22 03:43:21 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by JAzumah on Sat Mar 21 12:36:11 2020.* Wrong. Keep the full fare, or raise it to the real $20 cost per ride, or just SHUT DOWN THE MONEY HEMORRHAGING EXPRESS BUSES.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Joe V* on Sun Mar 22 08:52:50 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by BrooklynBus on Sat Mar 21 10:42:12 2020.* Spoke to a Montreal friend last night. STM is doing the same thing of back door only use. All schools are closed. But Quebec is not as hard hit as Ontario with the disease.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Snilcher* on Sun Mar 22 09:02:00 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Joe V on Sun Mar 22 08:52:50 2020.* The MBTA in Greater Boston just announced back-door boarding, at least for the Green Line trolleys. The announcement didn't say anything about that meaning free rides, but the Green Line is effectively free for outbound trips when boarded as a subway in Boston rather than as a surface line anyhow.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Sun Mar 22 09:09:45 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by TerrApin Station on Sun Mar 22 03:43:21 2020.* Presumably there are a fair number of health care workers who use express buses to get to their jobs.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by JAzumah* on Sun Mar 22 13:51:30 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Sun Mar 22 09:09:45 2020.* The high-backed seats would also keep people physically apart in a tight space.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Joe V* on Sun Mar 22 15:59:09 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by JAzumah on Sun Mar 22 13:51:30 2020.* Do MTA's Cruiser buses have any sort of a protective shield around the driver ?
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by TerRAPIN Station* on Sun Mar 22 23:26:03 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Sun Mar 22 09:09:45 2020.* Would be cheaper to lease them all cars for 6 months. Parking could be an issue though.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by randyo* on Mon Mar 23 00:47:25 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by TerRAPIN Station on Sun Mar 22 23:26:03 2020.* What about those who don’t drive? I know a few people here in NYC who don’t have licenses because they never felt the need to learn to drive.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Mon Mar 23 10:22:37 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by randyo on Mon Mar 23 00:47:25 2020.* Unless they have a disability that prevents them from driving, sucks for them!
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Mon Mar 23 10:33:34 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Spider-Pig on Mon Mar 23 10:22:37 2020.* Low income health care workers also may not have the spare money needed to own a car.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Mon Mar 23 11:10:03 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Mon Mar 23 10:33:34 2020.* This is in response to "Would be cheaper to lease them all cars for 6 months. Parking could be an issue though. "
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Mon Mar 23 11:19:43 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Spider-Pig on Mon Mar 23 11:10:03 2020.* OK. However, for people who have had a low income all their lives, getting a driver's license would never have been a priority. It also costs a fair amount of money to get a license if no one in your family has a car or the ability to teach you.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Orange Blossom Special* on Mon Mar 23 15:17:37 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Mon Mar 23 11:19:43 2020.* " It also costs a fair amount of money to get a license " Yeah, like 20 bucks oh wait, you live in a place where a licesne is a revenue maker, not a necessity.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Orange Blossom Special* on Mon Mar 23 15:18:44 2020, in response to Free buses in NYC?, posted by italianstallion on Fri Mar 20 18:41:50 2020.* Just saw this mentioned in another city too. Wonder if its widespread. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - We’re learning this morning that some Max Transit drivers are refusing to work over concerns related to the coronavirus. Alicia Anger with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority confirms MAX Transit is implementing safety measures effectively immediately in efforts to protect the safety of operators and passengers. The new measures include: Blocking the operator seating area to aid in abiding by social distancing standards. Passengers are being asked to use the rear door when boarding and exiting the bus. (Customers who use a wheelchair may continue using the front door for access.) The BJCTA is also suspending bus fares temporarily.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Mon Mar 23 15:43:52 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 15:17:37 2020.* Drivers ed costs only $20?
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Orange Blossom Special* on Mon Mar 23 15:49:31 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Spider-Pig on Mon Mar 23 15:43:52 2020.* People do drivers ed? Is that an app that everyones staring at while they barrel down the highway? Driverless cars cant come soon enough. Even though I'll be screwing with them all on my "manual" car.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Mon Mar 23 17:11:27 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 15:18:44 2020.* Birmingham has a lot of experience forcing people to use the rear door, and separating the rear section from the front section.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Orange Blossom Special* on Mon Mar 23 17:19:48 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Spider-Pig on Mon Mar 23 17:11:27 2020.* They do? Think the last time I remember using a rear door frequently was in the middle of Pennsylvania. Although, I'd heard of a time where it was an option in Philadelphia too.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Edwards!* on Mon Mar 23 21:52:04 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 15:17:37 2020.* New York driving is a cash cow.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Edwards!* on Mon Mar 23 21:53:58 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 15:49:31 2020.* Drivers Ed? 20 bucks? LOL?
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by TerRAPIN Station* on Mon Mar 23 23:12:05 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Mon Mar 23 11:19:43 2020.* Plenty of low income people own cars and drive.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by TerRAPIN Station* on Mon Mar 23 23:18:11 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by randyo on Mon Mar 23 00:47:25 2020.* Well look how well that’s worked out for them now that the world is all f’ed up. Driving is an essential skill. A life skill. When the world has gone to hell, you need to be able to get in your car and drive to escape and survive. Haven’t you seen the movies? Like Mad Max, etc.? Those who don’t drive will be lost.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Tue Mar 24 09:25:59 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by TerRAPIN Station on Mon Mar 23 23:12:05 2020.* And plenty don't.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Tue Mar 24 09:26:50 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 15:49:31 2020.* I specifically talked in my post about people who don't have anyone in their family who can teach them to drive.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by italianstallion* on Tue Mar 24 14:54:04 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Mar 23 17:19:48 2020.* LOL! Talk about missing the point.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by AlM* on Tue Mar 24 14:55:45 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by italianstallion on Tue Mar 24 14:54:04 2020.* It's deliberate.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by italianstallion* on Tue Mar 24 14:56:40 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Tue Mar 24 14:55:45 2020.* Could be.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by randyo* on Tue Mar 24 15:03:16 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Tue Mar 24 09:25:59 2020.* Some of the people I know aren’t dirt poor but are in fact well to do. They just never saw any reason to drive when they live in a city like NY which in many areas has good 24/7 transit service. Although I have a car because as a musician I need to be able to transport my sound equipment to most of my gigs, If I didn’t have to be my own roadie I wouldn’t need a car either.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Tue Mar 24 15:22:05 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by randyo on Tue Mar 24 15:03:16 2020.* But if you got rid of your car you'd still have a driver's license and you would keep renewing it.
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Re: Free buses in NYC?
Posted by Orange Blossom Special* on Tue Mar 24 17:29:55 2020, in response to Re: Free buses in NYC?, posted by AlM on Tue Mar 24 09:26:50 2020.* I see those folks. They're young and female and clueless.
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