MTA adding bicycle racks on 2 bus routes

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA is testing out bicycle racks on two bus routes that run between Staten Island and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

The racks will be fixed to the front of S53 and S93 buses, starting on September 6th.

The two lines were chosen for their safe access to current and planned bicycle paths, ridership and routes, which serve a major college campus where bicycling is a popular commuting option.

Three kinds of racks are being tested.

Each can fit two bicycles.

Riders will load and unload the bikes themselves.

NYC Transit has purchased a total of 38 racks at a cost of $42,000. The S53, the second busiest bus route on Staten Island, serves an average of 10,100 customers on an average weekday. The S93 route has an average weekday ridership of 3,250 customers.

A test run in March was conducted with no major issues, though managers noted possible locations with tight turns along the routes and the inability to machine-wash the fronts of buses as potential safety and maintenance issues, which are being addressed.

If testing goes well, the MTA plans to add racks to other bus routes.