After a recent MTA bus crash caused structural damage in Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano has requested that the local MTA bus depot be relocated to the Bronx. CBS News New York reported that Spano cited the depot’s current location and the associated impacts on the Yonkers community as reasons for the proposed move.
Last Friday, an MTA bus collided with a vacant store at a busy Yonkers intersection. Video footage showed the bus also striking two parked vehicles. No pedestrians were injured, and the bus driver sustained minor injuries. A local resident, Carmen Fernandez, told CBS News New York, “It's a good thing that people wasn't crossing the street at the time.” Following the incident, Mayor Mike Spano reiterated concerns about the depot’s location near new housing developments and called for its relocation.
Mayor Spano has also cited economic considerations, noting that Yonkers loses approximately $400,000 annually in property taxes because the MTA does not pay for the bus depot property. He has emphasized the need to relocate the depot and plans to continue advocating for the move in the coming year. CBS News New York stated that the MTA has acknowledged the proposal but stated that any potential relocation would involve financial and logistical challenges.
The MTA has not directly responded to Mayor Spano’s recent statements but confirmed that an investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to News 12. The agency has indicated that discussions regarding the depot, its location, and community impacts may continue. Residents, including Carmen Fernandez, have highlighted concerns about street-level safety in the area.
