Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Service Cuts Mean <strike>Bad</strike> Worse Commutes
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jul 21, 2010
Modified Jul 22, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jul 21, 2010
Modified Jul 22, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Though the trip from East Flatbush ranked #1 for the worst neighborhood from which to commute earlier this year, the recent MTA service cuts could be giving it a run for its money. Not only is it taking longer, but many commuters are having a harder time finding a seat. One told NY1, "Forget about that. What seat? You have to be very strategic and find maybe the very back of the train or the very front of the train and position yourself in such a way so you can jockey for position." Psh, savvy straphangers have been pulling that trick for years.
Many riders have also had to stop hitting the snooze button, with one woman estimating it takes her at least 20 minutes longer to get to work. "I spend more time traveling than actually at my desk," she said. But just in case you were ready to give up hope and buy a bike, some bus drivers are taking pity on beleaguered commuters. Many who take multiple buses to work in the morning must pay a transfer if they don't have an unlimited card, but a few drivers wave them on if they know they've come from another bus.
MTA Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee Executive Director William Henderson said, "It's bad enough somebody has to transfer two times to get where they need to go. They shouldn't have to pay two fares." Still, with all the frustration going around, we fear bus driver-punchings may be on the rise.
Tagged
bus
commute
MTA
service cuts
subway
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .