A Seat at Every Bus Stop: A Promise to Right a Long-Overdue Wrong
As New York City residents continue to endure some of the longest bus ride times in the nation, city officials have announced plans to bring much-needed respite to commuters. By 2035, every one of the city's approximately 14,000 bus stops will boast a sturdy bench, providing riders with a place to rest and wait for what often feels like an eternity.
The $40 million agreement, which sets aside 875 benches annually for the next two decades, is part of a broader effort to address the nation-leading congestion that plagues the city's streets. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasizes that this initiative represents more than just a minor concession – it is a fundamental human right, essential for ensuring that every New Yorker can live dignified lives.
The benches themselves are designed with one crucial feature: armrests that prevent users from reclining across them. This "hostile architecture" approach aims to curb homeless individuals from sleeping in public spaces, a practice both the city and federal authorities have struggled to address. In instances where space permits, riders can opt for the added support of metal bars at bus stops.
Mayor Eric Adams' administration has long been criticized for its lackadaisical approach to upgrading New York's bus infrastructure. Despite his campaign promises to revitalize the city's transportation network, the mayor has repeatedly delayed or rejected plans to construct bus lanes, thereby exacerbating congestion and increasing wait times. The 2019 law mandating at least 30 miles of new bus lanes per year remains unfulfilled.
Ultimately, it is not the MTA – which operates the buses but does not control traffic patterns – that is at fault for these delays. Rather, city officials have a responsibility to ensure that streets and infrastructure are designed with commuters in mind. The installation of benches at every bus stop marks an essential step toward rectifying this oversight, one small victory for New Yorkers who can no longer afford the luxury of patience.
As New York City residents continue to endure some of the longest bus ride times in the nation, city officials have announced plans to bring much-needed respite to commuters. By 2035, every one of the city's approximately 14,000 bus stops will boast a sturdy bench, providing riders with a place to rest and wait for what often feels like an eternity.
The $40 million agreement, which sets aside 875 benches annually for the next two decades, is part of a broader effort to address the nation-leading congestion that plagues the city's streets. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasizes that this initiative represents more than just a minor concession – it is a fundamental human right, essential for ensuring that every New Yorker can live dignified lives.
The benches themselves are designed with one crucial feature: armrests that prevent users from reclining across them. This "hostile architecture" approach aims to curb homeless individuals from sleeping in public spaces, a practice both the city and federal authorities have struggled to address. In instances where space permits, riders can opt for the added support of metal bars at bus stops.
Mayor Eric Adams' administration has long been criticized for its lackadaisical approach to upgrading New York's bus infrastructure. Despite his campaign promises to revitalize the city's transportation network, the mayor has repeatedly delayed or rejected plans to construct bus lanes, thereby exacerbating congestion and increasing wait times. The 2019 law mandating at least 30 miles of new bus lanes per year remains unfulfilled.
Ultimately, it is not the MTA – which operates the buses but does not control traffic patterns – that is at fault for these delays. Rather, city officials have a responsibility to ensure that streets and infrastructure are designed with commuters in mind. The installation of benches at every bus stop marks an essential step toward rectifying this oversight, one small victory for New Yorkers who can no longer afford the luxury of patience.
finally someone's doing something about those ridiculously long bus rides in NYC! I mean, 14,000 bus stops with benches? That's a start, right? 
It's crazy that it's taken this long for the city to acknowledge that just sitting still on a bus ride for hours is already a major struggle. Armrests are a nice touch tho, so no one can just be sleeping at those stops anymore 
. Can't they just work together to make the roads better? The benches are a small step forward, but we need real change, like dedicated bus lanes and stuff. Fingers crossed this is the beginning of something bigger 
. And I get why they want to curb homeless folks from sleeping there - it's not like they're the only ones who need a place to chill.
. I mean, Mayor Adams has been promising us bus lanes since 2019 and yet we're still stuck in these endless lines 
. Where's the real investment in infrastructure? It feels like they just want to placate people with some comfy benches instead of actually fixing the system.
. Less folks sleeping on the job, more folks... well, kinda relaxing 
. But seriously, it's about time we see some serious changes around here 
I'm so glad they're finally doing something about those ridiculously long bus ride times! 14k bus stops with comfy benches is a game changer 
. I've been riding the subway during rush hour and it's like they expect us to just sit on our heels for 20 minutes 
. The armrests are genius though, no more sleeping homeless people at bus stops 
. By 2035? That's like, forever from now 
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. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good place to take a load off and people-watch while waiting for their bus 
. The armrests thing is kinda weird tho... I mean, what's wrong with people just chillin' on the benches? 
. By 2035, every bus stop will have a sturdy bench, providing riders with a much-needed break from those grueling wait times 
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. It's about time he followed through on his campaign promises 
. Upgrading bus infrastructure isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating livable spaces for New Yorkers 
. By installing benches at every bus stop, the city is acknowledging that commuters deserve dignity and respect 
. Kudos to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for championing this cause 
anyway its about time they do something about it, those homeless ppl have rights too tho 
I mean, I'm all for giving people a place to rest while they wait, but I think it's weird that they're putting armrests on the benches to prevent homeless folks from sleeping there. Like, aren't we trying to help them out or something? 
. And I'm loving how the mayor's admin is trying to make up for their past mistakes with this project 
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like seriously 2035?! can't they just make a plan and execute it already? i mean, we've been complaining about bus wait times for years now, and it's always "we're working on it" but never actually does anything. anyway, at least benches at every stop is a start 
, hope more good stuff comes out of this deal 
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? It's all about short-term fixes that don't address the real problems 
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. And don't even get me started on how late these plans are coming. I mean, 2035? That's like, forever 
40 mil is still a lot but I guess its better than nothing 
plus can u imagine how many people would be able to get a job or start their day on time if they didn't have to waste so much time sitting