With the inception of the pilot program, which began its operation in early summer, unexpected bus stop relocations continue to create an added inconvenience for the Fordham Hill Cooperative Community.
Before the changeover, the Bx12 previously entertained stops on either side of the intersection of Sedgwick Avenue and Fordham Road, however, with the addition of the SBS, only the local stop on the eastbound side of the road remains.
In order for riders to catch the express bus, they must now walk up to University Avenue or down the hill to Cedar Avenue.
Though the nearly two-block distance may not be a grave trek for some, Community Board 7 district manager Fernando Tirado said it’s a difficult change for the area’s elderly and student riders.
“That 12 bus is their lifeline for public transportation,” Tirado explained about the burdensome move that continues to affect the co-op community that resides nearby.
Tirado further cited that attempting to climb the icy hill in the winter will significantly limit the travelers’ rate of mobility.
The SBS program began running on Sunday, June 27, along Fordham Road and Pelham Parkway, promising a 20% travel time reduction to its riders.
While he’s in favor of this objective, Tirado said the MTA must consider their audience.
“Is the goal of the MTA to just save time or to service the community,” he questioned. “If they would have left that express stop there they would have better served the needs of the neighborhood.”
The new service crosses the central Bronx from Inwood to Co-op City, making stops at the previously established express locations, which include the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University, the Fordham Road Shopping District, Jacobi Medical Center, two Metro-North stations and six subway lines.
Tirado said he’s currently in negotiations with the New York City Transit and the Department of Transportation to discuss a solution that will serve all interested parties.
