The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have agreed to move a Bx9 bus stop up 150 feet from its current location on Broadway near West 230th Street to better accommodate the Kingsbridge Post Office. The move was first requested in a joint letter signed by Congressman Eliot Engel, Congressman Charlie Rangel, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and City Council Member Andrew Cohen in January 2015, following a meeting with postal officials who expressed concern over the southbound stop's close proximity to the post office driveway. Following the initial refusal from the agencies to move the bus stop, Bronx Post Master Lilliam Rodriguez reached out to Congressman Engel again, at which point he reiterated the safety concerns to agency officials.
"I am pleased DOT and MTA officials have finally responded to the multiple requests our offices have made regarding the southbound Bx9 bus stop on Broadway and West 230th Street," Congressman Eliot Engel said. "This particular stop is heavily utilized by students from nearby schools who often would congregate in great numbers to wait for the bus right near the Kingsbridge Post Office's driveway. This created an unnecessarily dangerous situation for bus riders and pedestrians, in addition to making it difficult for post office employees turning in and out of the busy driveway. Though our initial request to move the stop south was rejected, I am pleased DOT and the MTA, upon further encouragement, sought to find an alternative to alleviate this hazard."
"I am very pleased that by working with the DOT, my colleagues and I were able to successfully advocate for a new stop for the BX9 bus that is away from West 230th Street Post Office," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "This simple change will improve the safety of pedestrians, students and our postal workers. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to improve the transportation needs and safety of our community."
State Senator Jeff Klein said, “I am pleased to see that our concerted efforts and concerns for the safety and quality of life along the Broadway Avenue commercial corridor was agreed upon by the Department of Transportation, and as a result we shall experience a reduction in traffic congestion and increased pedestrian and motorist safety.”
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The decision by the MTA to finally move the Bx9 shows just what can get done when enough of our elected officials work together, stand up, and get involved for the benefit of the people they represent. Through a concerted effort we were able to address a situation that was both a needless danger and nuisance to our community. I’m thrilled that we were able to find a simple solution to this problem that benefits all the parties involved. My thanks to the MTA, the Department of Transportation and my fellow elected officials for coming together to address this problem head on.”
Council Member Andrew Cohen said, “It’s important for us to support improved postal operations wherever possible. We are grateful to have learned about the problems that were created by an inappropriate location for a busy bus stop right in front of the post office entrance. I was pleased to partner with other elected officials in finding a simple and workable solution that is better for students and the post office. Thanks to the MTA for implementing our plan.”
