The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a public authority that operates various forms of public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area, including buses, subways, and commuter trains. In this context, “bus time” refers to the schedule and frequency of bus service provided by the MTA.
In the year 2000, the MTA operated a vast network of bus routes throughout the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island). This network consisted of both local and express bus routes, which served a wide range of destinations and provided essential transportation for millions of residents and visitors.
Local bus routes operated primarily within individual neighborhoods and made frequent stops along the route, allowing passengers to get on and off at any of the designated stops. These routes were typically identified by a number and a letter, such as the “M14” or the “Bx12.” Local bus routes provided a vital service for many communities, connecting people to subway stations, shopping centers, schools, and other local destinations.
Express bus routes, on the other hand, operated between neighborhoods or between neighborhoods and outlying areas, making fewer stops along the route. These routes were typically identified by a number and a letter followed by the letter “X,” such as the “QM5X” or the “BM1X.” Express bus routes were designed to provide faster service for commuters and other riders who needed to travel longer distances within the city or to suburbs.
In 2000, the MTA operated a number of different types of buses, including standard 40-foot buses, 60-foot articulated buses (which had a flexible joint in the middle and could carry more passengers), and special hybrid buses that ran on a combination of electricity and diesel fuel. The MTA also operated a number of “Select Bus Service” routes, which used dedicated lanes and specialized vehicles to provide faster and more efficient service.
The frequency of bus service varied depending on the route and the time of day. During peak hours (generally weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), buses were typically scheduled to arrive at designated stops every 10-15 minutes. Off-peak hours (generally late nights and weekends) usually saw less frequent service, with buses arriving every 20-30 minutes or more.
To access bus time information in 2000, riders could consult a variety of sources. The MTA’s official website (www.mta.info) provided schedules and maps for all bus routes, as well as real-time updates on delays and disruptions. Riders could also access bus time information by calling the MTA’s automated phone system or by consulting printed schedules and maps available at bus stops and subway stations.
In addition to the regular bus service provided by the MTA, a number of private bus companies also operated in the New York City area in 2000. These companies provided additional transportation options for riders, often serving destinations outside of the MTA’s network.
Overall, the bus time information provided by the MTA was an essential resource for millions of riders in the year 2000, helping them to plan their trips and navigate the city’s complex transportation system.
