The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].
Question:
Hi,
I live on the 88 near Ocean Point/Lakeview. My son has a bus stop on the 88 (which I really don’t like). Over the past few days while waiting with him, I noticed several times-not just once, a car passing the red lights when the stop sign was out. He does not need to cross the street (good thing!) but this is very very dangerous. I assume the 88 is a busier street but the cars must pay attention. I am wondering if a police officer can be on the shoulder of the 88 in this area every morning to create awareness.
Thank you.
Response from Mayor Coles:
Good morning,
Unfortunately, I think many of us have seen videos of cars passing busses illegally. Thanks to on bus cameras, it is much easier for the police department to identify these drivers and charge them for these offences. I have asked the chief to prioritize any offense like this. As far as the stops themselves, a lot of effort is out into setting up a system of bus stops that are both safe (most important) and get the children to school on time. I know the LSTA & BOE scrutinize these stops every year. I will ask them to pay closer attention to Rt 88 & other high volume streets to make sure are children have the safest stops possible.
Thanks
Ray
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We have the same problem on Martin Luther King Drive
If it’s a high volume street then isn’t it legally require that the bus stop be on the child’s side of the street?
You would think.
But my son once had a bus stop on prospect st on the opposite side of the road in front of an empty field (there are no intersections further down on prospect except for Massachusetts) since the driver didn’t want to come into my development & his yeshiva was on cross st so it was “easier” this way. When I complained to the bus company they made the driver come into the development & turned around. Boy was the driver mad & was mean to my son.
When I posted it on this site (years ago people were complaining about bus issues) someone commented on my post & told me I was selfish for upsetting the bus driver.
Go figure! The bus driver’s laziness (it’s not so nice to say that ‘cuz turning around in developments are hard!) apparently trumped my son’s safety!
Mind you he was once almost hit by a car crossing in front of the bus by some driver who totally spaced out. I actually ran after her car as she pulled into a block nearby and gave it to her!!
Busses need to be able to angle to block oncoming traffic. And bus stops need to be in the safest location possible.
What would be so terrible if you would wait for the school bus where your son gets on or off and just cross the street with him when safe to do so?
@mom who understands
I’m with the bus driver in this one,
It’s not your fault though either; whoever developed your area didn’t account for busses and for cars parking in the street essentially making it almost impossible to turn around.
Rockland county NY Monsey area started putting cameras on the outside of the busses which dramatically helps as it sends a photo and a warning to the violators.