Local 726 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which has criticized the MTA for not making any attempt to get more people into public transportation to lessen the impact of the lane closure, has proposed a bus-only lane running from Staten Island to Manhattan to get commuters out of their cars and relieve the traffic snarls on the Verrazano-Narrows that are expected to last at least five years. Presently, bus lanes exist on some roads leading to the Verrazano and part of the Gowanus Expressway features an HOV lane that permits carpools and taxis as well as buses. State Senator Vincent Gentile (D-East Shore/Brooklyn), who represents constituents on both sides of the bridge, agrees with the bus union.

The union is holding a rally Saturday to kick off its next campaign for improved transit service. Local 726 leader Larry Hanley says local officials have not done enough to reform Staten Island's transportation planning. On the union's agenda are a number of initiatives, including adding and expanding bus lanes, more buses and new bus routes for S.I.'s transit-starved South Shore, and further lowering the express bus fare.