City Officials Pledge to Install Benches at Every NYC Bus Stop - Eventually
New York City's transportation officials have made a promise to give its riders a break: benches at every bus stop. The plan, which will cost $40 million annually for the next 15 years, aims to install 875 new benches each year, starting in 2023 and concluding by 2035.
The city is aiming to seat nearly 14,000 of its roughly 7,000 bus stops with comfortable seating. While riders have been vocal about their desire for more seats, officials say the investment will be worth it in the long run. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, "This is not a privilege. This is a human right." The benches are designed to prevent people from laying down across them, a nod to the city's growing concern over public space safety.
To accommodate smaller bus stops, officials plan to install metal bars that riders can lean on. While this may seem like a compromise, it represents a shift towards providing safe and comfortable spaces for all commuters. According to Rodriguez, "the details that make a difference in so many New Yorkers' lives."
However, the promise of benches at every NYC bus stop comes as some relief for city residents who have grown weary of slow service. The MTA's buses continue to rank among the nation's slowest, and Mayor Eric Adams has faced criticism for repeatedly nixing or delaying bus lane projects aimed at speeding up service.
The issue lies not with the buses themselves, but with the traffic patterns that clog city streets. With the city responsible for these conditions, officials are taking a step towards improving the commuting experience. As Commissioner Rodriguez put it, "we have to take care of the big things and the small things."
New York City's transportation officials have made a promise to give its riders a break: benches at every bus stop. The plan, which will cost $40 million annually for the next 15 years, aims to install 875 new benches each year, starting in 2023 and concluding by 2035.
The city is aiming to seat nearly 14,000 of its roughly 7,000 bus stops with comfortable seating. While riders have been vocal about their desire for more seats, officials say the investment will be worth it in the long run. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, "This is not a privilege. This is a human right." The benches are designed to prevent people from laying down across them, a nod to the city's growing concern over public space safety.
To accommodate smaller bus stops, officials plan to install metal bars that riders can lean on. While this may seem like a compromise, it represents a shift towards providing safe and comfortable spaces for all commuters. According to Rodriguez, "the details that make a difference in so many New Yorkers' lives."
However, the promise of benches at every NYC bus stop comes as some relief for city residents who have grown weary of slow service. The MTA's buses continue to rank among the nation's slowest, and Mayor Eric Adams has faced criticism for repeatedly nixing or delaying bus lane projects aimed at speeding up service.
The issue lies not with the buses themselves, but with the traffic patterns that clog city streets. With the city responsible for these conditions, officials are taking a step towards improving the commuting experience. As Commissioner Rodriguez put it, "we have to take care of the big things and the small things."
So I'm kinda thinkin' this is a no-brainer, right? We all know how stressful travelin' can be in the city, especially when you're just tryin' to get from point A to point B. And let's be real, who hasn't had that one moment where they just wanna sit down and rest their feet for like 5 minutes?! 
But seriously, installin' benches at every bus stop? It's a small investment compared to the potential benefits. I mean, think about it - you can actually take a breather, grab a snack or chat with a friend without feelin' like you're gonna be run over by a crazy driver... 
Plus, it's all about makin' public spaces safer and more comfortable for everyone. I'm lovin' that they're thinkin' outside the box (or bench, lol) to find solutions to our city's traffic woes. Let's hope this plan sticks around! 
! Like, come on, who doesn't want a comfy spot to sit while they're waiting for their bus? It's not just about the benched riders (although that's cool too 
), it's about making public spaces feel more welcoming and less sketchy at night.
. This plan might seem like a big investment ($40 mil a year? 
), but if it makes commuters feel safer and happier, that's gotta be worth it.
. It's all about making the little things add up to make a big difference. Kudos to Commissioner Rodriguez for recognizing that 
!
so i was just thinkin about how some ppl might get frustrated with all the slow buses in nyc and now city officials are finally doin somethin about it 
but 40 mil a year for 15 yrs is kinda crazy 
i mean, what's next? free coffee at every bus stop? 
and those metal bars for smaller stops are a good compromise 
! Like, can you imagine just chillin' at your bus stop while you're waitin' for your ride? It's a no-brainer, right? The city's thinkin' ahead and tryin' to make public spaces safer and more comfortable. I mean, transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is gettin' it 
I mean, $40 million is a huge sum, but if it means making 14,000 bus stops more comfy for all the people who ride those buses, then yeah that's pretty cool 
.
. By acknowledging that not all bus stops can be transformed into cozy seats, officials are taking a nuanced and inclusive approach to improving public space safety 
rn its all about makin thngs safer n comfy 4 us commuters. dont get me wrong, im all 4 faster bus servce but this benchn plan is a nice to have. mayor adams needs 2 step up his game & fix th traffic lol 40 miln per yr is alot but its not like its a privilage or anythin 
The metal bars to lean on might not be the most aesthetically pleasing thing, but hey, it's better than nothing.