MTA may reroute portions of 25 local bus routes during Pope Francis’ visit; All express bus routes impacted

From the MTA:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to reroute portions of up to 25 local bus routes – some of them in more than one location – during Pope Francis’ visit to New York City from the evening of Thursday, September 24 to the morning of Saturday, September 26. In addition, customers on all express bus routes can expect reroutes and delays.

Bus customers are urged to travel by subway if possible throughout this period. All bus routes near papal events across the borough will experience delays, detours and closures, and some bus stops may be temporarily relocated. While Staten Island Express Buses are scheduled to operate normally into Manhattan, routes will be detoured in Manhattan and customers should consider using the Staten Island Ferry and connecting to the subway network to avoid street congestion and delays. Express bus customers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens should use the subway where possible to avoid delays to and from Manhattan.

All of the affected local routes are in Manhattan, including Manhattan segments of the Q32 bus from Queens. The New York City Police Department has announced extensive traffic closures throughout Manhattan during the pope’s visit, and traffic is also subject to unannounced closures, diversions and frozen zones for the United Nations General Assembly.

“Pope Francis’ visit to New York will be a time for celebration throughout the city, and we are preparing our bus network to move customers efficiently despite challenging traffic and road conditions,” said Darryl Irick, President of MTA Bus and Senior Vice President, MTA New York City Transit Department of Buses. “These routes may experience delays and crowding at times, so we encourage our bus customers to plan alternate routes if possible.”

Access-A-Ride will be operating full service during the entire papal visit, but customers should expect delays and congestion during this period, and should postpone travel if possible. Access to areas and roadways near papal events will be uncertain, limited and in some cases blocked.

Customers on all MTA services should plan additional time for their travels, purchase round-trip MetroCards or rail tickets at the start of their journeys, and prepare for crowded conditions. To stay informed of service changes and diversions, visit www.mta.info to view service status and sign up for email and text message alerts for all MTA services.

The MTA will run extra service on Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road on Friday, September 25 to accommodate travelers to papal events. The New York City Subway can accommodate additional customers and will have additional personnel available to assist customers and adjust service if necessary. MTA Bridges and Tunnels will fully staff its seven bridges and two tunnels with toll collectors and Bridge and Tunnel Officers to ensure safe travels for those who choose to drive during Pope Francis’ visit.

Bus diversions for Pope Francis’ visit are available at www.mta.info.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.