MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES THAT CITY'S FRANCHISE BUS LINES
ARE EQUIPPED FOR "ONE CITY, ONE FARE" JULY 4 KICKOFF
Fleet of 1,100 Franchise Buses Will Participate In Elimination Of Two-Fare Zones
As part of his "One City, One Fare" initiative, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that installation of the automated collection fareboxes equipped with MetroCard technology has been completed on the 1,100 buses that comprise the City's subsidized franchise bus fleet. The installation paves the way for these lines to participate in the elimination of two-fare zones for riders, which becomes effective on Friday, July 4.In making the announcement this morning at the Coney Island Transit Authority Terminal at the intersection of Stillwell and Surf Avenues in Brooklyn, the Mayor was joined by Rudy Washington, Deputy Mayor for Community Development and Business Services and a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board, and Christopher R. Lynn, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
"The elimination of two-fare zones and the establishment of free bus-subway transfers on July 4th is a significant milestone in the history of New York City's mass transit system," said Mayor Giuliani. "And the successful completion of the MetroCard farebox installation on the City's subsidized franchise bus fleet is a major element in this history making change. New York City's subways and buses, which make up the most extensive transportation network in the nation, have played an essential role in the growth of our City as a dynamic urban center. Efficient and affordable mass transit is a key factor in the quality of life for all New Yorkers."
"In ushering in this new era of 'One City, One Fare' for transit riders, the Department of Transportation is now ready to implement free intermodal transfers between the City's subsidized franchise bus routes and the MTA New York City Transit subway and bus system, for those using the MetroCard farepass. This historic achievement of transit fare equity will make New York an even more attractive place to live and work, and will help to promote future economic development opportunities throughout the five boroughs," the Mayor concluded.
The New York City Department of Transportation administers a subsidized surface transit program that includes seven franchise bus companies, which operate a total of 91 express and local routes throughout the City. With an average weekday ridership of some 300,000 (43,000 express, 257,000 local), the DOT franchise network comprises North America's 10th largest bus system. In addition to providing nearly half of the local bus service in Queens, the subsidized companies also operate almost two-thirds of express bus service citywide.
The seven private bus companies that operate local and express service as part of the City's subsidized franchise network include: Green Bus Lines, Jamaica Buses, Queens Surface, and Triboro Coach, which all provide a variety of local and express bus service in Queens; Command Bus Company, which operates mostly express service between Brooklyn and Manhattan; and Liberty Lines Express and New York Bus Service, which operate express service between the Bronx and Manhattan.
"I am delighted that two-fare zones have finally come to the end of the line, thanks in no small part to Mayor Giuliani's leadership in implementing the 'One City, One Fare' program," Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington said. "As a lifelong New Yorker, I understand the financial hardship imposed on people who are now paying four fares daily on the buses and subways in order to get to and from work. Since becoming a member on the MTA Board, I have focused on the elimination of two-fare zones, which has been so inequitable and detrimental for so many communities in the City."
Department of Transportation Commissioner Christopher Lynn said, "The installation of the MetroCard technology fareboxes is a very important development for improving mobility throughout New York City. As the City's subsidized franchise bus operators provide local and express service for over 300,000 riders daily, Mayor Giuliani's 'One City, One Fare' initiative will make mass transit a more attractive option for New York City's residents and visitors."
The Department of Transportation has worked closely with MTA, New York City Transit and the City's subsidized franchise bus companies on the installation of the new automated fare collection fareboxes. These new fareboxes will feature the MetroCard technology to enable the implementation of free intermodal transfers, but will not accept dollar bills because of engineering limitations and production requirements.
Command Bus Company, Liberty Lines Express, and New York Bus Service have installed special lockboxes for dollar bills to make the transition easier for their express customers. A public education campaign is currently underway to inform riders about these farebox changes and the start of free transfers, along with a major marketing effort to make MetroCard available in neighborhood retail locations outside of the subway system.
The total operating cost of the City's franchise bus lines is over $220 million, half of it consisting of governmental subsidies, including about $60 million from the City in Fiscal Year 1998. The introduction of free transfers on the subsidized franchise bus routes and the elimination of the fare for foot passengers on the Staten Island Ferry is projected as an additional $30 to $35 million expense in the new fiscal year. The $20 million cost for the new technology fareboxes is reflected in the City's capital budget.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scheduled the introduction of free intermodal transfers to begin on July 4, 1997 for New York City Transit riders using the MetroCard farepass, thereby eliminating two-fare zones. Riders will now be allowed to transfer between buses and subways for up to two hours after starting their trip without paying an additional fare.
The City of New York is a major funding partner of the MTA and its New York City Transit subsidiary, contributing over $300 million annually in operating assistance, fare subsidies, and station maintenance payments. The City is also contributing $1.2 billion to the MTA'S 1995-1999 Capital Program, including an additional $500 million in support under the terms of a recent agreement.
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