First Interstate NYC Transit Route to Start September 4th
The MTA reaffirmed its commitment to improving transportation options for Staten Islanders and creating a more seamless transportation experience today when it announced that a direct bus service to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line in Bayonne, New Jersey will begin Tuesday, September 4th.
The new weekday, rush-hour only S89 limited-stop service is an extension of the S59 Richmond Ave. local bus route. Operating from Richmond Avenue/Hylan Boulevard, the new S89 will serve major bus stops and transfer points -- including the Eltingville SIR Station and the Eltingville Transit Center - along the Richmond Avenue corridor before crossing the Bayonne Bridge and ending at the 34th Street Station of NJ TRANSIT's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line in Bayonne.
The first ever interstate route operated by MTA New York City Transit, this new inter-regional bus route was developed in response to requests by Staten Islanders who were asking for a convenient connection to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line so they could more easily access the growing job markets in Jersey City and Hoboken. The $2 base fare for this service will be the same as the fare charged on NYC Transit's local buses.
"The S89 will give our Staten Island customers a new, direct link to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line and the region's expanding job market," said Elliot G. Sander, CEO and Executive Director of the MTA. "More importantly, this service breaks down another boundary and moves us one step closer to a seamless regional transportation network."
The 12.5 mile long bus route is being operated under a joint service agreement executed between the MTA and NJ TRANSIT. Also, as part of the agreement, NJ TRANSIT and NYC Transit will explore a bus/light rail joint ticket good on both NYC Transit buses and the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. For the time being, customers will have to pay separate fares on the S89 and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail trains.
"Anytime you can respond to your customers and provide a new service, it's exciting," said NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. "This is an emerging market and we plan on providing dependable service to the riders who will rely on the S89."
"This service will benefit the region by improving access to the growing job market along the Hudson waterfront and by giving Hudson County residents a new commuting option for reaching Staten Island," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. "We look forward to welcoming Staten Island residents to the light rail system."
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will provide a one-time contribution of $2 million to help purchase buses that will be used for the service. "Our transportation picture is changing, as residents are finding a need for a more diverse matrix of connections across an increasingly inter-dependent region," said Port Authority of NY/NJ Executive Director Anthony Shorris. "That's why the Port Authority is investing human and financial resources to help launch this new bus route. It's no secret that Staten Islanders and residents of Bayonne face a challenging commute, and we hope this new initiative will make a real difference in their quality of life for years to come."
Because this route operates across state lines, all S89 bus operators have been USDOT certified for interstate service. This certification is in addition to the 19A NYS Certification all NYC Transit Bus Operators are required to have.
The S89 will operate in both directions from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday only. All S89 buses have been scheduled to meet specific Hudson Bergen Light Rail train arrivals and departures. NJ TRANSIT also operates additional local and express trains supplementing the scheduled connections between the S89 and the Light Rail trains to and from Jersey City and Hoboken.
Morning service from Staten Island to New Jersey: buses leave approximately every 15 minutes.
Morning service from New Jersey to Staten Island: buses leave approximately every 30 minutes.
Afternoon service from New Jersey to Staten Island: buses leave approximately every 15 minutes.
Afternoon service from Staten Island to New Jersey: buses leave approximately every 30 minutes.
Riders using MetroCards can transfer free to connecting Staten Island local buses. However, there is no free transfer, in either direction, between the S89 bus and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line.
Information posters and take ones explaining the new service will be posted on local Staten Island buses. Schedules and other service information are available at www.mta.info by clicking Schedules.