In 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOT) implemented the 24-hour Merrick Blvd. Bus Lane. For several months, the community expressed its objection to the plan, and shared the negative effect it would have, to no avail. DOT says the plan will improve transit times, but Southeast Queens residents who drive to work every day on Merrick Blvd now have to contend with bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions throughout the day.

The negative impact that a 24 hour/ 7 days a week bus lane is having on the community cannot be denied. We live in a transit desert. As a result, Southeast Queens residents rely heavily on self-commuting to work. In addition to the added burden to drivers, DOT has not addressed the very real problem of abandoned vehicles along Merrick Blvd that contribute to the traffic. The auto body shops along Merrick Blvd double-park cars, often blocking traffic during rush hour. Double-parked vehicles cause traffic to pile up starting from Merrick Blvd. and 107 Ave to Merrick Blvd. and Springfield Blvd. 

The penalties that auto body shops incur from double-parking have no effect. The fines are the cost of doing business for them. Without enforcement, they are allowed to operate unchecked, and now often block the bus lane, canceling out any commuter benefit.  Bus drivers are forced to leave the bus lane and merge into the only remaining lane for drivers to use  having no other option.

Many drivers now avoid Merrick Blvd altogether, and choose to drive through already congested, narrow and overburdened residential streets. Most importantly, it hurts our local businesses, as drivers are now avoiding one of our main commercial corridors at all costs.

Last year the local Council Member’s office blasted DOT and called for rush hour only enforcement and a permanent solution to the vehicle issue (https://qns.com/2020/12/southeast-queens-leader-blasts-dot-for-unwillingness-to-work-with-communities-of-color/ DOT instead proceeded with the 24/7 bus lane, disregarding the wishes of the community.

We need to be very clear about what our community needs. We do not need a 24-hour bus lane on Merrick Blvd. The community does not support or need it. The fines that many resident will incur due to the newly installed cameras will have a negative impact on an already financially burdened community of color.

We urge DOT to make the bus lane operational during rush hour ONLY, effective immediately. DOT must investigate how the current hours have made our lives more difficult. DOT must address the serious issue of double parking and the lack of enforcement. If you agree, join with us. Sign this petition and let your voices be heard.