TWU LOCAL 100 SAFETY EFFORTS FOR THE BRONX BUS REDESIGN

The Bronx Local Bus Network Redesign launched this morning, Sunday, June 26, 2022, and the first big test is tomorrow, Monday, when weekday commuters start riding.
 
This major re-design features two new bus routes, 13 altered bus routes, and the elimination of 400 bus stops – meaning longer walks for bus service. Anticipating that some riders will be confused, frustrated, and even irate, TWU Local 100 President Utano, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Davis, MaBSTOA Vice President Donald Yates, and officers from the union Safety Department have been having top-level meetings with MTA management, the MTA Police, and the MTA Security Department. We pushed the MTA to add or enhance several safety measures, including:
 
  • The deployment of MTA and NYPD police officers along bus routes
  • Placement of Property Protection Agents and MTA Security personnel in the field
  • Additional Bus Command Center staffing to handle Bus Operator calls
  • Requiring that all Bus Ambassadors on the street work in pairs
  •  Public education on the service changes.
“We’re all for innovative ways to improve service but the most important thing to TWU Local 100 is safety,” Davis said.
 
The efforts in the Bronx are part of Davis’ initiative to reinvigorate and restructure the Local 100 Safety Department and Safety Team, he said. Union officers and staffers are monitoring the rollout of the redesign and flagging to management operational problems that need to be addressed.
 
Inform you representatives of any problems you encounter. This is big transition for riders and Bus Operators.
 
“Just be ready to answer questions,” Yates said. “If anyone gets irate with you, don’t hesitate, call the command center right away.” (Download Newsletter Vol 2)
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Main Photo: Secretary-Treasurer Richard Davis and Bus Operators discussing the Bronx bus redesign with management, including Senior Vice President of Buses, Sunday morning.
Bottom Photo: Davis and union reps are checking with Bus Operators in the field and monitoring the rollout of The Bronx redesign.