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20 Bus Lines on the MTA's Chopping Block
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The MTA says it's time to cut the lines--20 bus lines, that is.
Because of low ridership and operating costs, the city's transit system is looking to trim the fat from their service. The current proposal being voted on consists of the elimination of 20 bus lines and reduced service on 24 other lines, for a total of 375,000 service hours cut altogether.
The Bus Riders Union is vehemently opposing the proposed cuts, with spokesman Manuel Criollo telling the Daily News that he believes loss of ridership "reflects last year's fare increases" and urges the rejection of the proposal, calling this pivotal moment "a point of crisis" for public transit.
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Some of the lines being canceled or reduced service areas include some in lower-income urban areas, as well as lines such as the Union Station to LAX, which will be cut during the midday and on weekends, meaning one less option to get travelers to and from our major transit hubs without vehicles.
The lines to be canceled are: 175, 177, 256, 620, 154, 155, 168, 634, 127, 254, 315, 126, 124, 211, 215, 608, 626, 940, 220, 224. Many lines will see partial cancellation either in terms of days or times of service, or segments of the route cut. Some lines are being "reallocated" to current or proposed Rapid Lines. (The Bus Riders Union has a link to the PDF file listing all the proposed cuts.)
The San Fernando Valley Service Sector meeting will be held tonight, and members are expected to vote on the proposed cuts. 12 of the lines to be cut are in the SFV.
Photo by The Marmot via Flickr
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