Just as the M15's select bus service had us believing that the MTA and its budget finally had quality service at heart, the Post reports that a committee is voting on cutting service on 40 bus lines. In the proposal [pdf], 40 of 64 bus schedule changes would "represent reductions in service levels to more closely align service with customer demand," which would ideally save the agency $300,000 a year. The MTA says the silver lining is that the less-frequent buses would arrive on time more often. They'll accept your thanks any time now.
The Post reports that the B36 would have the biggest cut, with buses running an extra two or three minutes apart. The M22 would also see a 16% decrease in service, as would most of Manhattan's notoriously slow crosstown buses. However, if the proposal passes, another 24 bus lines would see increases in service or modifications in running time, and the J train would get another round trip before and after peak a.m. hours to reduce crowding. A committee will vote on the proposal today, and if it approves the measure would go before the full MTA board on Wednesday. If it passes, the new schedules would go into effect in April.
