Tuesday was big day for tens of thousands of commuters in Brooklyn, where one of the busiest bus routes got Select Bus Service. NY1 Transit Reporter Jose Martinez has that story.
The first workday of Select Bus Service on a busy line can leave riders bewildered — from having to pay the fare before boarding, to being able to board through the rear doors.
"It saves time as far as people getting on board the bus," said one rider. "It will get it done a little quicker, I guess."
That's the hope of the MTA and the city Department of Transportation... which this week debuted Select Bus Service on the B46 — the busiest line in Brooklyn and the third-busiest route in the city.
The line carries close to 45,000 riders every weekday.
With the change, some buses are select, and others remain local which was another cause for concern Tuesday.
"Three select bus and no local!" exclaimed one rider. "I am upset about it right now. Because I need to get home to get to work."
Select Bus Service will run between DeKalb Avenue and Kings Plaza from 6:08 a.m. to 10:42 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 11:30 pm on weekends.
Local bus service will continue to operate at all hours between Williamsburg Bridge Plaza and Kings Plaza.
The rollout of the second such line in Brooklyn comes days after the city DOT said the borough's other Select Bus line, the B44, has seen its travel times improve by up to 30 percent.
Riders on the B46 say they are hopeful of a speedier ride, too.
"I believe it will, if the people cooperate," said one rider. "It's a two-way street, you know?"
One in which more such routes are on the way.
The next lines to get Select Bus Service are the M23 in Manhattan, which cuts across 23rd Street. And the Q70 in Queens, which connects to LaGuardia Airport from two major subway stops in that borough. They're set to debut in the fall.
For more information, visit mta.info.