amNewYork Metro, in conjunction with the MTA, present “Ask the MTA,” a column where MTA officials answer your questions about transit service in New York City. If you have a question for the MTA about subways, buses, commuter rails and more, email askthemta[@]amny.com.
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Q: I’m planning to bike more once the weather gets warmer and we get deeper into spring. Is the MTA planning to expand its micromobility program to more bus routes? Warner J., Meatpacking District
A: Front of bus bike racks are currently available on seven bus routes – the S53, S93, Q50, Bx23, Q44 SBS, S79 SBS and M60 SBS to make it easier and more convenient for riders to use bikes to access transit.
Future expansion will consider customer input, space availability, operational constraints, and budget. You can leave comments on the MTA’s webpage for the Bike, Pedestrian, and Micromobility Strategic Action Plan.
It’s also worth noting that 99.4% of subway stations have bicycle racks within 100 feet of an entrance. MTA’s Transit-Oriented Development team is working with NYCDOT to install racks at the remaining three stations and identify areas with high bike demand for additional coverage.
A bike corral is planned at Metro-North’s Spuyten-Duyvil station in the Bronx sometime this spring, and planning is underway for additional bike racks at other MNR and LIRR stations within the five boroughs.
– Jessica Mathew, MTA Senior Advisor for Special Projects
Q: I recently learned the MTA unveiled a new plaque at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd station to commemorate “Little Guyana,” which I thought was great. How does the MTA decide which stations get signage recognizing the culture of the community it serves? Would you consider doing this for commuter rail stations? Corrine H., West Hempstead
A: We are always proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our customers. In the case of Little Guyana, the push for new signage started in the community. The Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club approached New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who recommended their installation to the MTA. We agreed it was a great idea to honor the neighborhood’s heritage and set the plans in motion.
If you’d like to do the same at your home station, you can follow the Lions Club’s example and start by reaching out to your local elected official to make sure there is support from all community partners.
– Lucille Songhai, Assistant Director, MTA Government and Community Relations
Q: Is the MTA planning any systemwide events as we gear up for Earth Day celebrations later this month? Eileen E., Springfield Gardens
A: Every day is Earth Day at the MTA! Our mass transit system allows the New York region to have the lowest carbon footprint per capita in the nation, removing 17 million metric tons of carbon emissions from the air every year by getting people out of their cars. That’s equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by growing 281 million tree seedlings for 10 years.
Later this month, we’ll be marking the day with exciting announcements on our bus electrification program and climate resiliency planning.
– Shanifah Rieara, MTA Chief Customer Officer
