Keep Service Active on Q84 Bus Line in Queens

As you know, New York City has undergone recent budget cuts. It has been publicized that because of these cuts, transit riders who live and/or work in Jamaica, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, and Cambria Heights will be affected by these changes. The Q84 bus which services these communities is slated to be eliminated in April 2009.

If this happens, many people in our communities will be affected. This will not only present a major inconvenience, but a dangerous situation as well.

The majority of Q84 riders consist of women-some with children - who go to work each day to help their families make ends meet. Elderly citizens also rely on this bus to grocery-shop and to travel to and from doctors' appointments. Students who have no other choice but to take the bus rely on the service as well.

Less than a year ago our communities were devastated to learn that there were three rapists in the area who were victimizing women as they traveled to and from work. Forcing women to walk longer distances to catch a bus will increase the risk of attacks on women.

Our senior citizens who have no other means of travel should not be forced to walk more than one block to travel to and from their appointments. This would prove to be an even more difficult task if they were burdened with carrying groceries.

Cutting back on service is a much more viable option than total elimination. Possibly buses could run every fifteen minutes during rush hours and every hour during off-peak times.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.