PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Miriam Fisher, Member of the Public, on Bus Stop Improvements
2:27:19
ยท
129 sec
Miriam Fisher provides testimony on the need for improved bus stops in New York City, highlighting the lack of shelters and benches, especially in poor neighborhoods. She emphasizes the importance of these improvements for people with disabilities and seniors.
- Only 20% of NYC's 15,000 bus stops have shelters, and only 17% have benches
- Fisher presented the need for improved bus stops to Manhattan Community Board 4, which sent a letter to DOT and MTA officials
- She emphasizes the growing population of seniors and those with disabilities in her district, highlighting the need for seats with back support
Miriam Fisher
2:27:19
Good afternoon.
2:27:21
In our commitment to improve bus service, we often forget to include improvements in bus stops where people wait.
2:27:28
This has already been mentioned this, afternoon.
2:27:31
In some boroughs, subways don't extend to the outer region.
2:27:36
People are dependent on buses to work, medical appointments, personal recreation, social connections.
2:27:43
We have 15,000 bus stops in New York City, but only 20% have shelters and only 17% have benches.
2:27:52
The worst statistics are in the poor neighborhoods, especially parts of Queens and the Bronx.
2:27:58
For people with disabilities, for seniors, this presents another difficulty in transportation.
2:28:04
Edmond Assiedu, ADA coordinator for the DOT, informed me that the DOT is installing benches and bus stops in all 5 boroughs.
2:28:13
Great.
2:28:14
But that doesn't directly address shelters, which we all need from bad weather, heat, snow, heavy rain.
2:28:21
It's hard for anyone to wait in the snow for 20 minutes for the next bus.
2:28:25
And with climate change, more extreme weather is expected.
2:28:30
I presented the need for improved bus stops in December at Manhattan Community Board 4 Transportation Committee, which is my district, got a vote of a 100% support.
2:28:43
C b 4 sent a letter January 13th to Ed Pinkard of DOT, Dimitrios Critchlow of the MTA, and Ed Benasier duo of DOT.
2:28:56
C b 4 concentrated on specific stops on West 23rd Street.
2:29:00
It's all detailed in the letter.
2:29:02
Included seat including seats with, back support for those with spinal disabilities like myself.
2:29:11
In c b 4, there is a growing population of seniors, many with, disabilities including Adsellus Manor, which has 100 of residents with blind
UNKNOWN
2:29:23
eye contact.
2:29:24
Your time has expired.
Miriam Fisher
2:29:26
Okay.
2:29:27
Thank you for listening.