Background

The Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organization (ABCO) made the following comments at the June 21st [2000] NYS Metropolitan Transportation Council Hearing on Enhancing Bus Service in Suffolk County:

ABCO’s comments addressed the needs of several key key segments of the population.

1. Stranded Elderly - Many seniors would like to participate more actively in their communities, but are no longer capable of operating a motor vehicle. In suburban Brookhaven the inability to operate an automobile constitutes a major disability. To aid in the mobility of seniors ABCO recommends frequent bus service from Planned Retirement communities (PRCs) to amenities such as shopping, libraries, post offices, banks, etc. So that such services are conveniently scheduled providers should consider micro-transit systems which provide smaller buses to various destinations at more frequent intervals. Studies have shown that in order to be effective transit needs to be frequent to attract even 10% of an area’s trips. (Sustainable Communities, Ryn & Calthrope)

   We also recommend the creation of a travel demand survey, so that providers can readily identify frequent destinations, and finally we recommend travel demand training for seniors so that they are aware of the services available to them.

2. The Immobile Poor - The ownership and operation of a two year old automobile costs on the average $6000 per year. (Asphalt Nation, Kay) This price tag is obviously beyond the reach of many who are struggling economically. We, therefore, recommend the micro-transit system described above to selected higher density developments. Those developments which have over a selected percentage of residents currently living below a designated income level. Such developments should also have densities at or above 6 units per acre. At six units per acre subsidies can become manageable and transit meets an energy-efficient threshold over autos. (Ryn &Calthrope)

   We further recommend that such micro-transit systems connect to both community services, and employment opportunities, as well as, train stations, and designated park and rides along the L.I.E. At such locations larger buses could than transport riders to larger employment centers.

3. Working Women: A recent study showed that of all the people who don’t have a car and would like one 70% were women. Many of these women are single parents/head of households. To make a difference in the lives of such women, we need to combine a viable transit system with convenient, reliable, close at hand day care providers.

4. Addressing the needs of low density developments: Addressing the transit needs of those residents who live in low density housing, is of course a challenge. ABCO suggests providing such residents with small vehicles such as powered tricycles, or for those capable, bicycles. Such vehicles could either get them to their desired destinations, or to designated transfer points where they could get on a bus to their final destinations. Buses, thus, need to be equipped with bike racks, and chair lifts for the disabled.

5. Finally, to enhance the convenience of waiting for a bus, we suggest the construction of bus shelters, which would serve to protect riders from inclement weather, and provide them with a comfortable place to catch the bus.