MTA Unveils Draft Changes To Bed-Stuy Bus Routes

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — The MTA and city's department of Transportation unveiled a long awaiting draft proposal to Brooklyn bus routes, promising faster and more reliable service.

In the draft released on Thursday, officials highlighted changes small and large that could all help Brooklyn move faster, including spreading out stops and changes to routes altogether.

"We're going to pay special attention to working class communities," MTA chair Janno Lieber said at Thursday's press conference, "and other areas where people are especially dependent on bus service."

At least five routes in Bed-Stuy, the B15, B38, B43, B46, and the B44 SBS will undergo some revamp, according to the proposal.

See what changes are proposed to each route below:

B15

• Route shortened by about five miles on its eastern end (no more access to JFK).
• Route extended on its northern end, to Flushing and Bushwick Avenue.
• Route moved west from Lewis Avenue to Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Throop Avenue.
• Stops spread further apart to increase speeds.
• Fewer turns per mile (from 2.7 turns per mile to 1.9).
• Bus spacing no greater than 10 minute headways.

B38

• Route length remains the same
• Stops will be further spread apart by about 300 feet on average to increase speeds.
• Route would no longer circle a plot of cemeteries in Queens.

B43

• Slight increase to route length.
• Route will shift east from Tompkins Avenue to Marcus Garvey Boulevard.
• Stops will be further spread apart by about 200 feet on average to increase speeds.

B44 SBS

• Some stops moved to priority destinations and transfer points to improve speed and reliability.
• Route only changed in southern portion, moving to Ocean Parkway via Avenue Z, providing access to the Sheepshead Bay B and Q train.
• Frequency increased in late evenings on all days, with Sunday also getting more busses during the early mornings and evenings.

B46

• Route decreased by a bit over one mile at its northern end, terminating at Woodhull Hospital instead of Williamsburg Plaza.
• Stops will be spread further apart, to an average of 1,000 feet.

The MTA is seeking comments on the proposed changes and his holding several community meetings for feedback. If you are unable to attend, you can still submit a comment online here.