Passengers Buzzing about Bee-Line Changes

When it was announced that the Bee-Line Bus System would be forced to make $4.4 million in reductions this year, many bus riders worried local service cuts were next, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

According to Richard Stiller, Director of Operations, Westchester County Dept. of Transportation for the Bee-Line Bus System, the changes will not affect any routes in Mamaroneck or Larchmont.

"There are no scheduled changes for these areas," Stiller said. "The closest thing is in Rye, which has to do with Playland, but those in Larchmont [and Mamaroneck] won't notice any changes."

Not that people won't be completely immune to the differences.

For those who rely on the BxM4C express bus from White Plains to Manhattan will have to find a new route to the city as that line is being cancelled. Also, many people who live nearby in New Rochelle or Pelham who use the bus to get to work or shops in the area may find decreased service from their 6, 7, 14, 18 and 42 lines.

"I am furious, as it affects me greatly. Whether you drive or commute daily, everyone takes public transportation," said Pelham's Anna Empres. "Most people I know park their cars by the bus or subway station and take the bus or subway to save on gas. For college students and partygoers it is safe way to get home. In my opinion instead of cutting hours and routes they should add hours and routes and make it easier for the majority of society, who are hard-working, unwealthy commuters."

Westchester County Transportation Commissioner Larry Salley has listened to concerns of those like Empres and has scheduled two public hearings at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on April 14, from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm.

"When you look at the fact that over 60 percent of the people who ride our system every day are using it to get to work and go to school, they are an integral part of the county's economy," Salley said. "We understand the concerns and are doing what we can."

Earlier this week, Westchester County was told that they would be receiving an $11.3 million federal grant to help pay for the operation of the BeeLine Bus System. Rather than help reinstate some of the bus lines, the money will be used for capital investments in bus and replacement, overhaul and rebuilding of buses, along with the construction of maintenance and passenger facilities.

"It's already not too great. It doesn't even run like the Bronx busses, that come every 15 minutes; ours come every half hour, so reductions are just going to make things even worse," said Alissa Harvey, who travels to Mamaroneck from New Rochelle each day to work. "We need more, not less."

Aziyza Fellers, who travels from New Rochelle to work in Larchmont daily, is worried about the changes, as she takes the bus for just about everything in her life and fears this could just be the beginning.

"The next thing you know, fares will be going up again and who is thinking about the riders?" she asked.