Pols, advocates and residents to rally for B37

Calling all straphangers!

A rally to bring back the B37 bus line will take place on Sunday, May 19 at Third Avenue and Senator Street.

Attendees at the rally will also call for improvements to transit in Southwest Brooklyn, including better R train service and the installation of elevators along the N and R lines.

“The elimination of the B37 hurt families and businesses across Brooklyn and was particularly devastating to riders in Bay Ridge, who relied on the line to get them to work, doctor’s appointments, visits with family and other essential destinations,” said Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, who sent out word of the upcoming event. “Three years have passed since this bus was taken away and we stand united to show the MTA that our communities will not continue to pay exorbitant fares and tolls for inadequate service.”

State Senator Marty Golden added, The decision to terminate the B37 bus route on Brooklyn’s Third Avenue was wrong then, and it still is. The elimination of this bus has impacted many commuters and businesses, and has created an unnecessary hardship for many people who cannot utilize our trains because there are no elevators at our stations. This service must be considered for full restoration.

City Councilmember Vincent Gentile concurred. “The MTA received $40 million more than it asked for from Albany this year,” he said. “It only makes sense to use some of this money to restore services that were cut back in 2010 – starting with the B37. The B37 was absolutely vital to the people of Bay Ridge and beyond. It was our neighborhood’s connection to Sunset Park, Park Slope, Lutheran Hospital and downtown Brooklyn. And now with the Barclay’s Center, it makes even more sense to all parties involved. The time is now. Let’s get it done!”

Others who will attend the rally include State Senator Diane Savino, Assemblymembers Alec Brook-Krasny, Joan Millman and Felix Ortiz; Councilmember Sara Gonzalez; AARP Bay Ridge Chapter 3630, the Bay Ridge Community Council, Bay Ridge Council on the Aging, Lutheran Family Health Centers, Restore the B37 Coalition, Riders Alliance, Transit Workers Union and UPROSE.

The rally will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Malliotakis at 718-987-0197 or nysassembly60@gmail.com.