Brooklyn politicians push MTA to extend B37 past Barclays, to Borough Hall

BY HEATHER J. CHIN AND DENISE ROMANO

This summer, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) voted to restore service to the B37 bus line, using part of their $40 million surplus. The move came after years of community advocacy and pressure from Brooklyn politicians.

Now, three state and city representatives are requesting that the MTA extend the route fully to its original destination point at Court Street/Livingston Street, instead of at the currently planned Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center stop.

“We are concerned that the route will not continue beyond this point, as it did in the past, to its furthest destination which was approximately 10 blocks away,” wrote State Senator Martin Golden and Assemblymembers Nicole Malliotakis and Joan Millman in a letter to MTA Chairperson Thomas Prendergast.

“For those requiring transportation to the court system [and] to medical appointments, and who work and shop in the vicinity of Borough Hall, we ask that you consider making the final stop be Court Street as you move forward in your planning and scheduling of the B37, set to return next year,” they explained.

The route was eliminated in 2010 due to budget cuts. Residents contended that the bus is needed now more than ever, especially since R train service has been reduced during rush hours and will not run in between Manhattan and Brooklyn for 14 months due to much needed construction in the Montague Tube.

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