Many were affected when the MTA recently cut several bus routes, including Park Slope residents who lost the B71. That’s why NYC has introduced a new program to provide van service along select discontinued bus routes.
This pilot program will help reduce the negative impact of the MTA’s service cuts and allows residents greater accessibility to other buses and subways.

According to the NY Times, Community Transportation Systems and four other companies have been chosen by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (now run by former Park Slope Councilman David Yassky) to participate in Group Ride Vehicle Pilot Program. This company began service on Monday; the four other commuter-van operators, which will run along the former routes of the Q79, B23, B39 and B71, will begin on Sept. 20 and 27.The price to ride the vans will be $2, cash only — no MetroCards, unlike city buses. Riders will be able to request unscheduled stops along the driver’s route. This pilot program is meant to last a year at which point the Commission will determine its success.