NEW YORK—M15 buses, a model of MTA’s Selected Bus Service that runs between South Ferry and East 126 Street in Manhattan have earned an overall grade of B- according to the bus’s performance since its debut in October 2010.
On Monday, Feb. 7, City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin introduced her assessment report of the bus service to the public. Though major problems have been identified, Lappin still believes that the M15 bus “can be a great thing for our community.”
The Selected Bus Service (SBS), launched in June, 2008 by the MTA, aims to provide an option of a faster and more comfortable bus ride during day time. Customers pay prior to boarding with MetroCards or coins and board via a total of three front and rear doors. The SBS buses also run at a higher speed than local buses and are given priority at traffic-light intersections at rush hours.
While Councilwoman Lappin’s report confirms that the M15 bus has indeed sped up trips by nearly 15 percent, its overall grade is significantly lowered by poor accessibility.
Of available seats, 56 percent are difficult for an elderly or disabled passenger to use. Many travelers complained that they could not reach a nearby stop within a short walk as the stops are 1.5 miles apart.
Sometimes, when a ticket machine is broken or out of paper, passengers who board without receipts are still fined $100 by fare inspectors.
But a response from the MTA says that such occasions are rare.
“Since implementation, the M15 SBS MetroCard fare collectors have had an availability rate of between 95 percent and 98 percent depending on factors such as the weather,” said NYC Transit spokesman Charles Seaton in an e-mail response.
Seaton also said that broken machines are usually repaired within 2 hours after the MTA is notified of the damage.
With problems fixed and service improved, the M15 bus is still believed to have great potential to provide fast and convenient trips to Manhattan travelers.
“In some ways, the new service is working well, but other areas still need improvement,” said Lappin about the bus service that runs in her district. “We just want it to be realized.”
On Monday, Feb. 7, City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin introduced her assessment report of the bus service to the public. Though major problems have been identified, Lappin still believes that the M15 bus “can be a great thing for our community.”
The Selected Bus Service (SBS), launched in June, 2008 by the MTA, aims to provide an option of a faster and more comfortable bus ride during day time. Customers pay prior to boarding with MetroCards or coins and board via a total of three front and rear doors. The SBS buses also run at a higher speed than local buses and are given priority at traffic-light intersections at rush hours.
While Councilwoman Lappin’s report confirms that the M15 bus has indeed sped up trips by nearly 15 percent, its overall grade is significantly lowered by poor accessibility.
Of available seats, 56 percent are difficult for an elderly or disabled passenger to use. Many travelers complained that they could not reach a nearby stop within a short walk as the stops are 1.5 miles apart.
Sometimes, when a ticket machine is broken or out of paper, passengers who board without receipts are still fined $100 by fare inspectors.
But a response from the MTA says that such occasions are rare.
“Since implementation, the M15 SBS MetroCard fare collectors have had an availability rate of between 95 percent and 98 percent depending on factors such as the weather,” said NYC Transit spokesman Charles Seaton in an e-mail response.
Seaton also said that broken machines are usually repaired within 2 hours after the MTA is notified of the damage.
With problems fixed and service improved, the M15 bus is still believed to have great potential to provide fast and convenient trips to Manhattan travelers.
“In some ways, the new service is working well, but other areas still need improvement,” said Lappin about the bus service that runs in her district. “We just want it to be realized.”
