Gowanus Lounge: Serving Brooklyn

The Ikea Effect: B61 Drivers Taping Schedules to the Wheel?

July 28th, 2008 · 4 Comments

nullWe came across this tidbit about how the MTA is now taking B61 service issues more seriously because of Ikea in the course of an entirely different email discussion on the Brooklyn Baby Hui (Williamsburg parent) group about petitioning the MTA to make buses more stroller friendly. Here’s the bit about the reviled B61 we found interesting:

I have started to call MTA directly when waiting too long for the B61 bus (my nemesis) If I have to wait for more than 15 minutes past the time it is supposed to arrive I call and complain. At first I called 311 but now I carry the direct number in my wallet. I was amazed, after my first call a supervisor called me back a few days later to explain what the delay was and ask me more questions. The second time I called they didn’t have specifics to give me, but the appeared to take my complaint very seriously. They also told me that the B61 is the most complained about bus line–and they were probably concerned because now it is attached to the Ikea Terminal, and will be getting much attention. After complained, I noticed the driver arriving at my station with a TIME SCHEDULE posted on his steering wheel.

Now, would that have happened six months ago?

Tags: Transportation · Williamsburg

4 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Red Hook // Jul 28, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    I… am confused. Should we be pleased that the MTA is responding or disturbed that it takes a major corporation to get the MTA to care?

  • 2 bigring55t // Jul 28, 2008 at 6:23 pm

    Forget that, what is the direct number to call and complain to the MTA. That’s like the holy freakin’ grail. Please, tell me what the number is.

  • 3 Neighborhood Threat » The B61 Bus is a Disgrace // Aug 18, 2008 at 10:18 am

    […] the opening of Ikea, however, the B61 was a brave new world. Drivers had their timetables prominently affixed to their dashboards. Drivers were *hustling*. No more of that lackadaisical meandering down Manhattan Ave. They actually […]

  • 4 Sam // Sep 3, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Any idea what’s the direct number to MTA? My blood vessels are bursting because of this damn bus!