B Train Saga: Golden Suggests Rush Hour Express

We told you this morning that Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo wrote the MTA, and now we’ve found out that State Senator Marty Golden has followed suit. Joan Byrnes, Director of Community Affairs for Golden, left a copy of the letter as a comment to our original article about B service termination. We’re putting it up front for everyone to see:

August 10, 2009

President Howard H. Roberts Jr.
MTA New York City Transit
2 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Dear President Roberts, Jr.,

The recent news of the cuts in service on the B line for two years has caused great concern and disappointment within my district.  I have seen complaints on the local blogs and have received them at my office as well.  I hope that we will be able to work together to accommodate the riders of this line.  While they are thankful to have the repairs take place, the everyday necessity of their commute continues to exist, and the extreme nature of these cuts is causing a major disturbance.

I ask that you consider the possibilities available before making such a cut that will severely inconvenience thousands of riders.  Making express service possible during rush hours is the best way to calm the concerns of the people.  Two years is too long to deny the residents a service they count on and continually pay into!  I sincerely urge you to find a middle ground so that the MTA and the commuters on the Brighton line can both benefit.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further please contact my Director of Community Affairs, Joan Byrnes at 718-238-6044 or jbyrnes@senate.state.ny.us.  I remain,

Sincerely Yours,

Martin J. Golden