Activists, Labor Push for Expanded Bus Lane along Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue

A broad coalition of labor unions and transit advocates gathered Tuesday to demand Mayor Adams follow through on the city's years-long promise to speed up buses on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue. The coalition for better bus service on Flatbush Avenue includes LIUNA Local 1010 representing pavers and road builders, TWU Local 100 representing bus and subway workers, SEIU 1199 representing healthcare workers, Riders Alliance and other transit advocates.

Gathered together on Tuesday, the groups on declared better bus service a priority for working class New Yorkers, who make up the bulk of city bus riders. Bus speeds on much of Flatbush Avenue from Downtown Brooklyn to Marine Park struggle to break 5 miles per hour, according to data the Department of Transportation shared in 2023 — highlighting the need to get cars and trucks out of the way of transit riders.

"As a union it is our duty not only to help our members but to support the communities where our members work and live," said Max Barton, a researcher at LUINA Local 1010. "New York City residents rely heavily on public transportation as a lifeline for daily commuting, essential errands and recreational activities. the reliability, the consistency and the safety of these transportation options directly impact the quality of life of millions of individuals who navigate the greatest city in the world each day." Read more from AMNY, Gothamist, Streetsblog and watch video from News 12.