We're seeking up to 35 volunteers to collect data on accessibility for both stops that were kept and stops that were eliminated in the Queens Bus Network Redesign. These comprehensive data will help us compare the accessibility of current and former bus stops, as well as determine where we prioritize our efforts to restore eliminated bus stops. We will present these data to both city and state elected officials, who will help pressure the MTA to restore these essential stops. We might also use these data as evidence in court.
Why?
The MTA eliminated nearly 1,800 bus stops in the Queens Bus Network Redesign. We have warned the MTA throughout the planning process for the redesign that these bus stop removals would disproportionately harm the most vulnerable transit-dependent riders — seniors, people with disabilities, and others who cannot walk farther to catch the bus — yet the MTA still went ahead with them. Nowhere in any of the MTA's documents for the redesign is it indicated how the needs of these riders were factored into the plan. Furthermore, from our evaluation of the plan, we've found that many of the eliminated bus stops were in front of essential services, such as grocery stores, schools, medical offices, community centers, and places of worship, creating barriers to access for those who rely on them. Many of these stops also had bus shelters with benches. Many riders now also have to traverse uneven, narrow, and otherwise inaccessible sidewalks to get to their bus stops. It is safe to conclude that the planning team never stepped foot in the neighborhoods, nor did they conduct any existing conditions studies of the bus stops when deciding which ones to eliminate.
Ideally, the MTA would restore every bus stop they took away, but that goal has become increasingly unrealistic. We are in talks with several Queens elected officials, who have requested a list from us of all the eliminated bus stops to be restored. Therefore, for our effort to be as successful as possible, we need to prioritize our efforts with a consistent, data-driven method that centers accessibility. This means doing the work the MTA failed to do.
We're also seeking to gather evidence that could be used in a civil case.
Ideally, the MTA would restore every bus stop they took away, but that goal has become increasingly unrealistic. We are in talks with several Queens elected officials, who have requested a list from us of all the eliminated bus stops to be restored. Therefore, for our effort to be as successful as possible, we need to prioritize our efforts with a consistent, data-driven method that centers accessibility. This means doing the work the MTA failed to do.
We're also seeking to gather evidence that could be used in a civil case.
What's the urgency?
Six months after the launch of the Queens Bus Network Redesign, the MTA will release a Six-Month Evaluation of the plan, effectively concluding its work on the Queens bus network. If we've learned anything from the Bronx Bus Network Redesign and its Six-Month Evaluation, it's that the MTA will very likely center its "successes" on bus speed averages, which hardly indicate how the redesign has affected riders directly. We must act BEFORE the six-month mark (before the MTA renders the Queens Bus Network Redesign "complete") for our efforts to restore essential bus stops to have any chance of success!
What will this entail?
We have put together a dataset that includes both current and former (for now) bus stops, but it is incomplete. Volunteers will be tasked with not only filling in the missing information for each stop, but also making observations about the stop and its surroundings to gather accessibility data. Observations will be made using Google Street View imagery and/or out in the field. Data will be collected and entered using StopScan, our in-house web app that streamlines the data entry process. Don't worry if you don't have any data collection/entry experience — you will be trained on exactly what to do and will have everything you need before you begin!
Please note: A computer (preferably) and/or a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is required to collect and enter data for this project.
Please note: A computer (preferably) and/or a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is required to collect and enter data for this project.
How can I get involved?
Your first step is to apply using the form below! Once you apply, you'll be required to take a live training, where we will go over the tools you'll be using (including StopScan) and exactly how to go about collecting bus stop data. There will be a short (and easy) quiz at the end to assess your understanding of the training. Once you pass, you'll be granted access to StopScan and given your assigned route(s)/bus stops to collect data for, and you'll be all set!
|
|
Already collecting data? Access StopScan here!
If the full web app does not load properly on your device, you can access each StopScan component below.
