Flushing, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) was presented with a “Bus Champion” award from Riders Alliance, a grassroots organization of subway and bus riders pushing for stronger public investment in mass transit. Gathering at a Q44 bus stop in Flushing, bus riders and transit advocates presented the award in recognition of Rozic’s advocacy for better bus service in New York City.

“Whether it is calling for better bus service in my district that does not have a single subway or train station or increases in funding, teaming up with riders and advocates to ensure that our transit system meets the needs of today’s ridership will remain a priority of mine,” said Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows).

Rozic sponsored legislation allowing the City’s Select Bus Service system to expand, speeding up commute times for over 2 million New Yorkers who rely on bus service every day. Bus lanes are a crucial part of Select Bus Service, or “SBS,” the city’s rapid bus model, now in operation along eight routes citywide.

“I live far from the train and I depend on buses a lot. I use the Q44 and the Q46 to move around, but would like service to be more frequent. I want to see smart and efficient bus service and am excited to see Assemblywoman Rozic fighting for it! Better buses in Queens is beneficial to all Queens residents and I look forward to the implementation of Select Bus Service on the Q44,” said Handel Forde, Kew Gardens Hills resident and Riders Alliance member.

Select Bus Service has sped up bus and vehicle traffic along the corridors where it has been deployed; along 125th Street in Manhattan, for instance, bus speeds are up in excess of 30%, speeding up riders’ commutes by implementing a bus lane, off-board fare collection, and improving traffic flow.

“Bus riders all over the city want faster, more efficient public transit – but change has been slow in coming. Now, thousands of bus riders’ commutes will improve, thanks to Assemblywoman Rozic’s leadership,” said Josselyn Atahualpa, a Jackson Heights resident and organizer with the Riders Alliance.