Effective Jan. 3, 2022, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is taking over operation of the SIM23 and SIM24 bus routes on Staten Island.
These express bus routes serve Annadale Huguenot and Prince’s Bay with service to Midtown Manhattan. New York City Transit (NYCT) will operate five morning trips and six afternoon trips on each route. Timetables can be found online.
The takeover of these routes also gives the MTA full operation of the Staten Island Express Bus Network. Both routes were previously operated by Academy Bus under contract with the city of New York.
"The current SIM network is a collaborative effort between our customers, labor partners and Staten Island Borough President Oddo and the MTA’s assumption of the full Staten Island Express Network has been a top priority for us all for some time,” said NYCT Interim President Craig Cipriano. “Working with our partners in NYC especially NYCDOT, we will ensure that all Staten Islanders are able to enjoy reliable service and share in the improvements of the redesigned SIM network.”
Under the new arrangement with the MTA, the city of New York will cover the capital and operating expenses net of the farebox revenue and other revenue sources, such as advertising, and NYCT will manage operation of the routes.
“New York City Transit is committed to providing the best bus service to Staten Island and will monitor service and make schedule adjustments as needed,” said Acting President of MTA Bus Company and NYCT Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Riders can expect the high level of bus service our expansive express network offers and will now be able to use OMNY and the other great features provided through the MYmta app.”
Bus frequencies will remain the same although there will be slight modifications to the schedule and routing. Schedule and route information will be available at mta.info or by calling 511.
Due to significantly low ridership, the Outerbridge Park and Ride SIM24 bus stop will no longer be served. Customers will be able to use the Huguenot Park and Ride instead, which is located on Drumgoole Road East at Huguenot Avenue where SIM24 service is available. The Hylan Boulevard at Luten Avenue bus stop will be served by the SIM24 instead of the SIM23. The SIM24 will also serve a new stop at Amboy Road on Huguenot Avenue.
In response to public input, the SIM23 bus stop on Hylan Boulevard at Poillon Avenue will be retained. The SIM23 and SIM24 will continue to serve the remainder of their current stops on Staten Island and in Midtown Manhattan.
