Temporary Bus Lanes on Tappan Zee Bridge Not Enough, Say Critics

The Thruway Authority, facing criticism that its plan for a new Tappan Zee Bridge won't immediately add any new mass transit, [announced last night](http://www.lohud.com/article/20120629/NEWS03/306290047/New-Tappan-Zee-Bridge-will-rush-hour-bus-lane-state-says)that it would create designated bus lanes during rush hour. But while several transportation advocates and experts said the move is a step in the right direction, it's not enough to quiet the critics. "We think it's an important first step and a small victory to improve bus commutes for hundreds of existing daily bus riders," said Veronica Vanterpool, the executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "We're disappointed that the bus lane would only be in operation on the bridge itself, not within the corridor, and only during rush hour." The bridge is only a three-mile span, but Vanterpool said congestion goes beyond the bridge span itself. Jeff Zupan, a senior transportation fellow with the Regional Plan Association, echoed Vanterpool's concerns, saying the Thruway's plan ultimately is not enough. "If you want to encourage people to use buses, they've got to feel as if they can save some time as opposed to being stuck in congestion," Zupan said. "So having the emergency lanes being used for buses is only going to help you for the three and a half miles for the new bridge. It's not going to help you on the approaches to the bridge." The Cuomo administration has emphasized that the new bridge will be built to accommodate mass transit, including rail, in the future. It's also unclear how the administration will be able to pay for the bridge, even under plans that don't immediately include mass transit. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign sent out the following release today: Bus riders and drivers crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge received some encouraging news yesterday: the New York State Thruway Authority will convert an "emergency access lane" on the new bridge to a dedicated bus lane.  This is an important first step, and a small victory, to improve bus commutes for hundreds of existing daily bus riders who idle in gridlock along with cars and trucks. Disappointingly, the dedicated bus lane will only be in operation on the bridge itself, not within the I-287 corridor, and only during rush hour. To read the full article [click here. ](http://www.cityandstateny.com/temporary-bus-lane-tappan-zee-enough-critics/)