Pratt Center worked with Riders Alliance on a Participatory Action Research project to better understand how Flatbush Avenue bus service affects riders’ work, health, and the local economy. Through a survey of more than 1,800 bus riders, focus groups, and community-engaged research, we found buses play a vital role in connecting Flatbush residents to work and school, medical appointments, and local businesses, but that slow and unreliable service has economic and public health costs for communities. Our research also showed strong support among bus riders for street designs that prioritize buses.

Background

Flatbush Avenue bus riders, like those across Brooklyn and the city, face slow and unreliable service. Advocates and the Adams administration alike have identified Flatbush Avenue as a priority for bus service improvements including street redesigns, but plans for the corridor south of Grand Army Plaza have stalled. In the face of these delays, Pratt Center and Riders Alliance conducted a Participatory Action Research project to better understand the economic, social, health, and other community impacts of current bus service on Flatbush Avenue, potential improvements including street redesign, and delays to those improvements. 

This research project was designed collaboratively by Pratt Center and Riders Alliance, in consultation with an Advisory Committee of Flatbush residents, advocates, and researchers with expertise in the neighborhood and transportation issues. Research methods included a literature review, surveys of more than 1,800 bus riders, and focus groups of small business owners. 

Key findings discussed in the report include:

1. Flatbush Avenue buses primarily serve Black, women, and low-income riders living in and around Flatbush.

Among surveyed bus riders:

• 59% identify as Black 
• 72% identify as women 
• 74% report household incomes of less than $80,000/year
• 65% live in five zip codes in and around Flatbush 

2. Bus delays have negatively affected 91% of surveyed Flatbush Avenue bus riders.

As a result of bus delays:

• 2 out of 3 bus riders has had long waits in extreme weather
• Half have paid for a car service or taxi
• 1 in 3 has been fired, reprimanded, or lost pay at work

3. Buses serve an important role in the local economy.

• “Shopping, dining, or entertainment” is the number one destination for Flatbush Avenue bus riders 
• 85% of riders said they would shop or dine on Flatbush Avenue more often if buses were more reliable

4. Bus lanes are supported by 87% of Flatbush Avenue bus riders surveyed.

5. Community members have local knowledge that could help shape plans for the Flatbush Avenue corridor – and they want more services and engagement from the City. 

These findings reveal community need and support for better bus service on Flatbush Avenue – and the costs of stalled improvements – which should inform the City’s plans for Flatbush Avenue and the bus system citywide.