Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press town on removal of two West Hempstead bus stops as board moves to remove signage
Summary
Residents questioned the town’s plan to remove signage for two West Hempstead bus stops, citing reliance on transit and rising fuel costs. Town staff said the town controls signage but not NICE Bus routes; signage removal follows route eliminations by the county/operator.
Council members on the Town of Hempstead Board moved to close and adopt a local law to repeal signage for two bus stops in West Hempstead after a string of public questions and a town explanation of the change.
At a public hearing on Item 5, multiple residents asked why signs would be removed if people still rely on buses. Jan Goldstein of East Meadow said many constituents "rely on buses to get to and from work" and asked whether any study of ridership had been done and what the town would do for people who depend on transit.
Robin Murphy of the town’s transportation unit responded that the town controls only signage; it does not set NICE Bus routes, fares or service. "We do not determine which routes are going to be added [or] subtracted from NICE Bus," Murphy said, explaining that when a county or operator discontinues a route the town removes the stop signage to avoid misleading riders.
Residents pressed follow‑up questions about which specific stops were affected (Cornflower Road and Woodfield/Maple) and how long service had been missing. Town staff said the signage lacks route identifiers and that route decisions rest with the county/operator; staff offered to meet with residents after the meeting to provide whatever records they can. A resident identified as Benjamin asked that officials notify the public if service is restored so signs can be reinstalled.
The board’s motion to close the public hearing and adopt the item was moved and seconded on the record; individual roll‑call confirmations were recorded verbally by board members during the meeting, but the transcript did not include a formal vote tally.
Why it matters: Removing visible bus signage can reduce rider awareness that service exists or existed at a location, which residents warned could worsen mobility for seniors and workers during a period of high fuel prices. Town staff said signage removal is an administrative follow‑up to route eliminations controlled by the county/operator, and offered post‑meeting follow‑up for residents seeking more detail.
What comes next: Town staff offered to meet with concerned residents for local clarification and to provide additional information about which operators/routes have been discontinued. The board proceeded with the adoption motion during the meeting; the public record for this item will be the town’s meeting minutes and any follow‑up materials the transportation unit supplies.
