New York City to Rein in Megabus, Other Inter-City Bus Services

[M II A II R II K]

New York City to Rein in Megabus, Other Inter-City Bus Services


April 24, 2012

By Angie Schmitt

Read More: http://streetsblog.net/2012/04/24/ne...-bus-services/

The phenomenal success of private, inter-city bus service over the last five years seemed to take everyone by surprise. It’s a testament to their sudden emergence and overwhelming popularity that cities like New York are just getting around the regulating these services, following complaints from residents about idling, crowds and other nuisances. According to Network blog Mobilizing the Region, the Big Apple is poised to for the first time create a permitting requirement, including designated drop-off and pick-up points within city limits.

- The bill would grant municipal control over where the vehicles can load and unload and require bus operators to provide information about planned bus timetables, proposed stops, and off-duty parking locations when applying for a permit. In approving bus stop locations, the city would have to consult with community boards (and, if necessary, the MTA). The city would also be free to charge up to $275/vehicle annually for permits and could fine bus operators up to $1,000 for their first violation and up to $2,500 for further violations. The legislation, if passed, would address concerns raised by bus riders and Manhattan neighborhoods such as rotating, overcrowded bus stops and hard to find bus arrival information.

.....

[Hayward]

This needs to happen. I've ridden Megabus all over the place and the largest cities have problems with pickup and drop off. Sidewalk areas will get overcrowded, and it's a madhouse when several buses arrive at once. Just a few staff and drivers are not enough to answer several dozen people's questions....which is pretty basic..."Is this the right bus?"

I don't think this is a city vs megabus kind of situation. I think cities are willing to help out since they want to be pleasant places to arrive and depart to boost tourism. There just needs to be some organization.

[Swede]

Originally Posted by Hayward

I don't think this is a city vs megabus kind of situation. I think cities are willing to help out since they want to be pleasant places to arrive and depart to boost tourism. There just needs to be some organization.

Yeah, ideally these busses would have a dedicated station like the PA Bus terminal. That's what the Cityterminal here in Stockholm s for: Airport Coaches and national/international busses. Works like a charm.

[Wizened Variations]

Originally Posted by Swede

Yeah, ideally these busses would have a dedicated station like the PA Bus terminal. That's what the Cityterminal here in Stockholm s for: Airport Coaches and national/international busses. Works like a charm.

Remember, the US is far more corrupt than Sweden, and, NYC is one of the worst centers of US corruption (the 'Financial Debacle' had it's epicenter, here, after all).

This, IMO, involves the effects of established bus lines, Amtrak, regional rail carriers, and, possibly, even taxi cab companies, objecting to the success of the new bus line companies. Of course, all competitors want price 'stability' and that means fees, etc., paid to the City for station upkeep, managerial 'recommendations' among other ways the City can take it's cut.

[JACKinBeantown]

The idling is a serious issue too. I don't know how many buses I've walked by or seen outside a window that were just sitting there idling for what felt like forever. Once I even called out a bus driver on it... he started giving me grief, so I grabbed my phone and took a photo of the license plate and bus # and told him I was calling the police to report him because there actually is a limit to the time they can idle in one spot. He grumbled and pulled away.

[Swede]

Originally Posted by Wizened Variations

Of course, all competitors want price 'stability' and that means fees, etc., paid to the City for station upkeep, managerial 'recommendations' among other ways the City can take it's cut.

We're clearly more used to the power of the state and the city here, of course there's a fee for using the station, and I wouldn't be surprised if using some random curb as a station for coaches is forbidden here. Stockholm being much smaller than NYC, we've managed to integrate the coach station into the rail hub (all intercity, commuter and subway lines). Imagine a new Bus terminal to complement the PA one, built right next to Penn or Grand Central Expensive as hell, but would sure attract usage.

Originally Posted by JACKinNYC

The idling is a serious issue too. I don't know how many buses I've walked by or seen outside a window that were just sitting there idling for what felt like forever. Once I even called out a bus driver on it... he started giving me grief, so I grabbed my phone and took a photo of the license plate and bus # and told him I was calling the police to report him because there actually is a limit to the time they can idle in one spot. He grumbled and pulled away.

Yeah, idling is real obnoxious. iirc the limit is 1 minute here, but enforcement is shoddy as hell. A bunch of idling busses at a curb, niiiice

[Crawford]

Megabus can't use any of the NYC bus terminals (PABT or GWB terminals).

All their buses are double-decker, and I believe neither terminal can accomodate double-deckers.

[Hayward]

Originally Posted by Crawford

Megabus can't use any of the NYC bus terminals (PABT or GWB terminals).

All their buses are double-decker, and I believe neither terminal can accomodate double-deckers.

I believe it's 11'-6" last time I saw the clearance sign entering the terminal.
Megabus is close to around 13' so it's not going to fit.

[Those Who Squirm]

It may be less so in New York with respect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, but generally speaking big city bus terminals have a bad rep in the United States, being perceived as dodgy, seedy locales to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. With regard to that, the curbside pickup/dropoff of the newer bus operators is a key part of the business model, providing straightforward, inexpensive transit in well-appointed coaches and avoiding the bus station experience.

Still, I don't see how that can work in a city like New York.