Can New York City Buses Be Both Fast and Free?
In a recent investigation, reporter Larry Buchanan delves into the sluggish performance of New York City buses, focusing specifically on the B41 bus route in Brooklyn. This inquiry comes in the wake of a campaign pledge by local politician Zohran Mamdani, who proposed making buses free to ride as a potential solution to the city’s public transportation woes. New York City buses have consistently ranked as the slowest in the nation, a troubling statistic that highlights the challenges faced by commuters relying on this essential service. Buchanan’s data collection sheds light on the myriad factors contributing to the buses’ inefficiency, including traffic congestion, frequent stops, and long wait times, which collectively hinder timely transit for millions of riders.
Buchanan’s analysis reveals that the B41 bus, like many others in the city, is often caught in the gridlock of Brooklyn’s busy streets, where delays can add significant time to a trip. For instance, during peak hours, the bus can take over an hour to travel just a few miles, a stark contrast to the speed of private vehicles. The investigation also highlights how the current fare system may inadvertently contribute to the problem. By making buses free, Mamdani argues that it could encourage more people to use public transport, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road and potentially alleviating some of the congestion that plagues the city’s streets.
However, the question remains: would eliminating fares effectively speed up bus services, or would the underlying issues of infrastructure and traffic patterns still dominate? Buchanan’s report suggests that while free fares could boost ridership, a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of delays—such as dedicated bus lanes, improved traffic signal prioritization, and better overall urban planning—might be necessary to truly transform the efficiency of New York City’s bus system. As the city grapples with these challenges, the future of public transportation remains a vital topic of discussion among policymakers and residents alike.
Our reporter Larry Buchanan collects data on the B41 bus in Brooklyn to find out why New York City buses are the slowest in the nation and whether Zohran Mamdani’s campaign pledge to make buses free would speed them up.
