Although a weakened economy has reduced peak period commuter rail riding in our region (though not city subway and bus use — see MTR #376), MTA Long Island Bus has achieved another record high single-day ridership for the third consecutive year. Daily bus ridership hit the highest level in Long Island Bus’ 30-year history on September 3, when 115,630 riders used the system.

The record day capped a steady three-year improvement in the annual passenger peaks, growing from 111,314 in September, 2000 and 113,758 in September, 2001 to 115,630 this month.

Long Island Bus managers said that most of the system’s customers use it for commuting.  They said the ridership growth shows that more Nassau County residents are taking the bus to work than ever before.

A provisional multi-year budget released earlier this week by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi projected cuts in the county’s contribution to L.I. Bus if it couldn’t trim other costs, like police pay.  Despite its excellent record building suburban ridership, Long Island Bus often struggles to meet its operating budget needs.  State aid has made up for county cuts made at the end of former county executive Gullota’s term, but both sources are subject to annual budget politics. Given its value to the county, Nassau’s leaders need to aid in Long Island Bus’ search for budget stability.

Commuter Rail Ridership Dips Slightly -- City Transit Holds Steady
(July 29, 2002)

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