NY1: Is More Bus Service (Finally) Coming to City Island?

BRONX, N.Y. – For commuters on City Island, getting to work and back is often a waiting game.

There is only one public transportation option: The BX29, a bus connecting the island to the Pelham Bay Park stop on the 6 line.

“I spent time trying to calculate how much I’ve spent of my life standing at the Pelham Bay Station must’ve been years,” said Bruce Weis, a City Island commuter.

Another problem: The bus stops running at midnight. And it’s known as a split route. Some of the buses from Pelham Bay Park don’t even stop there. Instead, they go further north to Co-Op City.

The limited bus service is a big headache for restaurant workers who finish their shifts late. They often have to walk across the bridge and through Pelham Bay Park to catch the train.

But help is on the way. As part of its redesign of Bronx bus routes, the MTA will have the BX29 serve City Island all day and night, seven days a week.

“City Island produces $4.5 million in sales tax every year, and so for the money we put in the city coffers we should have full time service. I’m glad it’s finally happening,” said City Island Chamber of Commerce Vice President Paul Klein.

Community advocate John Doyle spent years collecting petition signatures and commuter complaints for the MTA. He says around-the-clock service is long over due.

“Now this bus is only going to be on the highway a very short time when it loops into Pelham Bay station. So it’s really a win for the neighborhood. Everybody deserves bus service that is dependable,” Doyle added.

Commuters will have a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed changes during open houses the MTA is hosting this month beginning next Tuesday.

For dates, times and locations go to new.MTA.info/BronxBusRedesign.