In the past few months, residents on the Lower East Side have been fighting an onslaught from the Chinatown bus industry. Now some concerned locals have created a web site to draw attention to the problems caused by too many companies operating – legally and illegally – in a confined area. The Save LES Streets site carries the tag line, “LES is not a bus depot. Help save our streets!”
Among other features, the site documents every intercity bus stop in the neighborhood. According to their perusal of online bus schedules and on-the-street observations, there are 55 operators. Only 17 have been permitted by the Department of Transportation. Save LES Streets reports that there are 38 bus companies maneuvering the streets of the Lower East Side and Chinatown illegally. A state law implemented last year requires bus companies to hold city permits and to load/unload passengers only in designated areas.
The web site also includes a bus map, photos and links to additional information. There’s a tip line for people to send in their own observations and pictures regarding bus operators.
Earlier this year, the SPaCE Block Association launched a petition drive to oppose more bus permits in the neighborhood. Members of that group are working with Community Board 3 to conduct a similar neighborhood survey detailing intercity bus operations.
A few more photos from the new site:
