New York City’s bus system is facing criticism for being slow and unreliable. A recent report by City Comptroller Brad Lander, cited by The New York Post, found that about 56% of bus routes are running much slower than expected, with riders facing delays on more than half of their trips. Only 8% of routes received a grade of B or higher, showing continued problems for commuters.
The annual Pokey and Schleppie Awards, given to the slowest and least reliable bus services by the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign and the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, aim to draw attention to these issues. This year, a new award called the Mazel, represented by a flying bus, was introduced to recognize the most improved routes, according to CBS News. While the awards highlight progress, the push for real improvements in bus service continues.
Some bus routes, like the M34 in Midtown, are so slow that pedestrians could walk faster, with average speeds around 5.4 mph. The Comptroller’s report, Life in the Fast Lane: A Report Card for NYC’s Buses, highlights inefficiencies in the city’s bus network. However, there has been some improvement on Select Bus Service lines, where 16% of routes earned A or B grades, compared with only 8% of regular routes.
New York City mayoral candidates, including Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, have pledged to tackle the city’s bus service problems. Mamdani has proposed free bus rides for all and emphasized the need to “rapidly building priority lanes,” he told The New York Post. However, questions remain about funding and feasibility, with MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber expressing concerns over the financial impact of free bus services.
With a new mayoral term approaching, transit policy proposals are facing close scrutiny. Mayor Mamdani’s plans, which include tax increases for corporations and high earners, still need approval from Governor Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature, CBS News reports.
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