by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Daily thanks our “Car-Free, 41-year Islander / 52-year Q102 Rider/Advocate” for the tip.
It was way back in January 2020. RIOC’s then Chief Operating Officer Shelton Haynes and Transportation Director Cy Opperman held a meeting in the CBN/RI Senior Center. It was all about transportation. After the pair fielded a lot of questions, the news leaked out. The MTA planned on canceling the Q102 bus that Roosevelt Islanders depended on.
“Beginning later this year, the MTA expects to replace the Q102 with a new route” we reported. “The QT78’s tentative route leaves all areas north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge without service.”
Suad Hassan, director of community affairs for State Senator José M. Serrano quickly got with RIOC president Susan Rosenthal, Haynes and Communications Director Terrence McCauley. Together, they hatched a plan to “save the Q102.”
Can RIOC Save the Q102?
“We are working with the offices of our elected officials to convince the MTA to come to Roosevelt Island to discuss the proposed changes to the Q102 bus route,” McCauley wrote in response to our request. “RIOC is opposed to any change in bus service to our community.”
All true. Rosenthal even arranged for a Red Bus that took Roosevelt Islanders to an MTA listening session.
The answer now is a resounding “Yes!”
What’s changed since the Proposed Final Plan?
“Q102 restored with new routing due to public feedback” the MTA posted.
Ironically, all of the principals – even the QT78 – are gone, but their efforts finally panned out. Through pandemic delays and community protests, the Q102 survives. It pushed aside even a proposed Q103 shift.
The new map shows that the Q102 will no longer turn right off the bridge. It will not go down Vernon Boulevard. It will instead continue up 36 Avenue to 31st Street which it will follow south to Queens Plaza and Court Square. All subways and handicapped access are restored.
On Roosevelt Island, the 40 River Road stops along with all those south of the Tram will be eliminated. All other service, from Coler to the Tram is unaffected. Stops along Vernon Boulevard previously served by the Q102 will now see service from a Q103.
Check it out for yourself here. Q102 coverage begins on page 436.
Priced Out of the Air We Breathe
It used to be you could sit by the window and breathe in a little peace. Now, that costs extra—and someone’s cashing in.
