Since 2017, 10 bus routes for the Nassau Inter County Express (NICE) have been cut following a reduction in millions of dollars of county funding. Many of the resulting bus routes that were cut provided the only viable source of public transportation for many Nassau communities, forcing residents to seek out inconvenient and more expensive means of getting around.
The communities of Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Oceanside, Bay Park, Baldwin, Baldwin Harbor and Freeport have suffered a great loss due to elimination of the N36 and N62 NICE Bus lines that once ran through their communities. Working men and women as well as seniors and students depended on the bus line to get where they’re going, and many businesses rely on the mass transit system and the local foot traffic it provides to survive.
“Many working men and women as well as seniors and students depended on the N36 and N62 bus lines before they were cut. The addition of these lines will help to cut down on other less environmentally forms of transportation, and as communities try and bolster their downtowns, the addition of these lines will not only help small business owners, but their employees and other residents as well.,” stated Legislator Bill Gaylor.
“The N36 was the only direct form of public transportation which went from Lynbrook to Freeport with stops in East Rockaway, Oceanside and Baldwin Harbor. All of these communities are encouraging the development of local businesses and restaurants, and adding additional transportation options will help them achieve that goal.” stated Legislator Howard Kopel.
Legislators Gaylor, Kopel, Rhoads and Ford are now calling for the return of the N36 and N62 bus lines through their districts and ask that the County Executive add it into her 2020 County budget set to be released on Monday.