UPDATE: Bx1/Bx2 Bus Service – Summer Service Reductions

[UPDATE (08.30.2012): The Bx1/Bx2 service reductions effective July 1, 2012 weren't a "stealthy service cut;" it turns out that MTA typically reduces some service systemwide during the summer due to lower-than-average ridership during summer months. Regular service resumes in September.]

A few months ago, MTA released a report detailing proposed changes to bus service for the summer (specifically p. 111-114 of the document). Schedules for 21 routes would see adjustment, but a look at current MTA bus schedules shows adjustments to several other routes – including more cuts to the Bx1 and Bx2 in what looks like a seasonal adjustment.

New Bx1/Bx2 Bus Schedules: The Good and The Bad

The new Bx1/Bx2 bus schedules take effect tomorrow; as I mentioned in an earlier post, MTA is adjusting bus schedules on several lines throughout the city to match current loading guidelines. The resulting change for the Concourse bus lines (Bx1/Bx2) is longer wait times between buses (i.e. reduced service); however, there is some good that arises from this.

Concourse Bus Service Reductions coming April 2012

In response to shifting ridership habits and decreasing bus ridership, the MTA prepared schedule changes for 82 bus lines which take effect this April. You’ll find the details in MTA’s latest Transit Committee Meeting Report (dated January 23, 2012) – specifically pages 126-131. Of these 82 routes, 44 will see service reductions; the Grand Concourse bus lines (the Bx1 and Bx2) are among them.

Crowded on the Concourse

There’s always a story to tell when riding the subways; I’ll tell one such story tonight.

And…CUT! MTA Service Cuts Approved

Here comes the pain.

The MTA Board approved a service cut package yesterday that will kick in this summer. These cuts are more drastic than those enacted in 2009; the earlier cut affected weekend service on many lines.

Startin’

I’m taking it slow and taking it easy as work begins to mount; I’m trying to make sure every investment I make counts! Pursuant to the forthcoming Master’s Report/Thesis this fall, I have started gathering all my books – and even invested in a new laptop! It’s pretty nifty and efficient, which is good considering its $700 price tag – a bargain if you ask me!

Untapped Potential: Where the REAL Stimulus Is

One of the things I’ve learned from over five years of tutoring is that my tutees can teach me as much as I teach them. Through my tutoring experience alone I have learned new methods of approaching old problems, as well as new methods of approaching new problems. Tutoring plays a significant role in my graduate school success since it allows me to exercise what I’ve previously learned. For these reasons, I’m convinced that there’s plenty of untapped potential in the national student body.

If these students harness this potential, I firmly believe that productivity in the professional world will increase, yielding dividends previously unseen. However, despite the constant harping on about students being the future of this country, college students are about to get shafted – again!