Activists, political leaders and community members rallied Friday in Jackson Heights, Queens, demanding that the City establish a rapid bus line that runs along Northern Boulevard into Manhattan.
The act was organized by the neighborhood group ‘Rapid Raiders’ that advocates for the rapid bus line that would go from Flushing to Manhattan passing through Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst.
— Rapid Riders (@NBRapidRiders) May 3, 2022
These ‘Select Bus Service’ buses are New York City’s version of Bus Rapid Transit: an enhanced bus service that offers fast, frequent and reliable service on bus routes with high ridership. , according to the description of the Department of Transportation.
“Completed in far less time and at a much lower cost than subways, which take years to build and require expensive upfront infrastructure and equipment, Select Bus Service offers a more immediate upgrade to New York City’s transit network.” that benefits the entire city through better mobility, cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced congestion,” the description continues.
Buses are designed to provide rail-like service, Select Bus Service uses techniques and technologies such as dedicated bus lanes, off-vehicle fare collection, and transit signal priority to improve transit quality and performance, and in turn, improve mobility and access in the neighborhoods it serves.
One of the politicians who attended the event was state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who said she has been waiting her entire life for fast bus service on Northern Boulevard.
“This road was identified as a perfect location for select service in 2017, now we need one more push to make it happen. Thank you @NBRapidRiders for hosting this morning’s rally with our neighbors!” the senator wrote in a message on social media.
I’ve been waiting for rapid bus service on Northern Blvd my entire life! This throughway was identified as a perfect place for select service in 2017, now we need one more push to make it happen. Thanks @NBRapidRiders for organizing this morning’s rally with our neighbors! pic.twitter.com/JokePVGBX1
– NY Senator Jessica Ramos (@NYSenatorRamos) May 6, 2022
Another politician who also attended the event was Queens Councilman Sjekar Krishnan, who noted that the Select Bus Service “is long overdue and crucial to pedestrian safety, public transportation and our climate. Let’s do it!”
Today I joined Rapid Riders, @jessicaramos, @votejgrand neighbors to call for Select Bus Service with a bus lane on Northern Boulevard and restoring key stops that we’ve lost. It’s long overdue and crucial for pedestrian safety, mass transit, and our climate. Let’s get it done! pic.twitter.com/CnL8jkqQQD
– Council Member Shekar Krishnan (@CMShekarK) May 6, 2022
Other attendees included State Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas and Queens activist Jim Rockaway.
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