Regarding the Dec. 18 article “Queens mass transit riders get vintage treat for holidays,” people were still left waiting at bus stops for a benefit unfulfilled.
Flushing Municipal Lot 1 was originally considered by city and transportation planners in the 1960s for the construction of a bus terminal. This facility would take hundreds of buses off the surrounding streets, where they let off and pick up riders.
Since that time, borough, city, state and federal officials for over five decades have failed to secure any funding necessary to support environmental review, design, engineering and construction of this much−needed transportation improvement.
Since the 1960s, there has been an explosion in the number of commuters riding buses to Flushing and transferring to the No. 7 subway line. This has been complemented by a huge growth of commercial businesses accompanied by the demolition of homes to support construction of apartment houses and multi−family homes, adding even more patrons.
Construction of a climate−controlled bus terminal could assist in improving traffic circulation in and around the intersection of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue, along with the rest of downtown Flushing. Tens of thousands of rush hour riders would be protected from being abused by hot summers, cold winters and bad weather.
There could be a smoother transfer between the buses and the subway.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
