WESTERLEIGH — The city added another trip on the X12 express bus during the morning commute to help stop crowding on the line, Councilman Steven Matteo announced.
The MTA added an 8:03 a.m. bus, starting at Victory Boulevard and Jewett Avenue, to the line on Monday after complaints from residents over longer commutes since the agency made cuts to the line.
"My constituents have continuously contacted my office to voice their frustrations with their commute during the morning rush hours," said Matteo in a statement. "While it is certainly not a cure to all of the problems with this line, it will help alleviate some long lines at stops and overcrowded buses."
The X12 bus runs during the weekday morning and evening rush hour commutes from Staten Island to Midtown.
Previously, 23 buses made the trip from around 5 to 10 a.m., according to Matteo's office. The bus makes 14 trips during the evening commute.
In September, the MTA cut several X12 buses during the morning commute and two evening X42 buses, which follows a similar route, the Staten Island Advance reported. The cuts caused long lines and increased commute times for residents.
After complaints from Matteo, the agency quickly brought back some of the line but the councilman continues to push for restoration of more, the Advance reported.
The MTA will monitor the new trip and make adjustments if needed, Matteo said.
