Rerouted Bus Traffic Could Lead to Accidents

Metropolitan Tansit Authority (MTA)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y — The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) rerouted bus traffic through the South Shore neighborhood of Staten Island, and residents are upset. According to  SILIVE.com, MTA buses using Satterlee Street not only disrupt the stillness of the residential area by introducing additional noise and clogging streets, but it also increases the possibility of accidents. Officials closed Amboy Road near Page Avenue and, as a consequence, sent numerous MTA express buses down the narrow Satterlee Road which was not designed to handle the increased traffic.

Residents of Satterlee Street have raised a strenuous objection to MTA continuing to use the street as a detour around the Amboy Road construction work. One vocal resident said that the South Shore area of Staten Island — known as a historical area — is now a depot for MTA buses. The increased bus traffic has turned the quiet street into a congested area during the morning and evening commutes from Monday to Friday. Not only does the volume of bus traffic concern this South Shore resident, but she also said that the buses travel at such a high rate of speed that she can feel her house shake as the MTA buses pass.

The MTA says taking the present route is temporary and is the safest route around the road closures. Notwithstanding, an MTA spokesperson acknowledged that residents expressed concerns about the bus traffic. The spokesperson said that the agency would take a closer look at the situation to figure out if there is a way to reduce the impact the bus detour has on the community.

The increased bus traffic poses a threat to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicycle riders in the locale, especially as the weather warms and spring approaches. The popular Conference House Park is in the South Shore neighborhood, and its use will increase as the weather gets nicer inspiring people to head outdoors.