Better buses…
Ward’s Island is currently isolated by an often-infrequent bus service which terminates at 125th St. and Lexington Ave.
We propose removing existing fences and simplifying the M35 bus route/stop pattern, decreasing travel times by up to 5 minutes and allowing the MTA to increase off-peak frequency, giving Ward’s Island residents and visitors a quicker all-day connection to the 4, 5, 6, Metro North, and under-construction Q extension at Lexington-125th station.
and more!
(Image credit: Bristol City Council)
The bus gate, shown here in Bristol, UK, allows for buses while preventing car through-traffic. This will help ensure that Wards Island street traffic remains low-speed and safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
(Image credit: Kidfly182)
With NYCHA residents and SNAP recipients currently eligible for $5 Citi Bike memberships, it would be a small subsidy to ensure free memberships for all Wards Island residents, allowing for affordable mobility and incentivizing active lifestyle.
Adding Citi Bike stations and adding an NYC Ferry stop would create a diverse set of sustainable transportation options for car-free households.
(Image credit: NYC Ferry)
NYC high schoolers, many of whom play sports on the island, are eligible for discounted $1.45 tickets on the NYC Ferry. The ferry would become the quickest route to the Upper East Side, Astoria, and Roosevelt Island.
(Image credit: Harry from nyctransitforums)
The MTA could conduct a benefit-cost analysis for restarting a M35 service variant connecting Wards Island with Astoria, as shown in this 1980 Manhattan bus map. Randallsislandtransit.org has also called for this service, as well as a Bronx connection.