New York University (NYU) will open its free shuttle bus network to a limited number of local senior citizens beginning Nov. 2, giving older residents in parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn another transportation option.
The pilot program will initially serve up to 50 seniors ages 65 and older who live within Manhattan Community Boards 2 and 3 and Brooklyn Community Board 2. The seven shuttle routes will operate in Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, parts of Chinatown, the Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village area and Downtown Brooklyn.
City Council Member Harvey Epstein worked with the university to develop the initiative.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, how to integrate NYU into the community more,” Epstein told amNewYork. “We did it a couple of years ago, bringing seniors into their gym facilities. The buses are also part of the community. I proposed this, and they really loved the idea.”
While the MTA offers a half-price subway and bus fare program for seniors, Epstein added that his office has heard from constituents that more options for commuting would be helpful for constituents.
“This is another way to get free buses available to a lot of our seniors on fixed incomes,” he said.
NYU shuttle buses operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight during the academic year. The university also operates one weekend route, with limited service during the summer and academic breaks.
Eligible seniors will need to complete a short paper application to participate. Once approved, they will receive an NYU Affiliate ID Card, allowing them to ride the university’s shuttles at no cost. Participants can also use the university’s live shuttle map to track buses in real time and access service announcements about shuttle operations.
NYU President Linda G. Mills said the program reflects the university’s relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods and its efforts to support local residents.
“At NYU, we are proud to say we are in and of the city and in and of the world,” she said. “We are always looking for new ways to support our neighbors. Providing our local seniors with access to NYU’s free shuttle bus service will make their lives easier and will create new opportunities for our community to build connections.”
Valerie De La Rosa, chair of Manhattan Community Board 2, welcomed the program, describing it as a way for local institutions to support the community.
“A strong community is one where its institutions and neighbors support one another,” she said. “This pilot is a meaningful step toward helping older New Yorkers remain independent, mobile and connected. Manhattan Community Board 2 applauds NYU and Council Member Harvey Epstein for turning a thoughtful idea into a tangible benefit for our seniors.
Assembly Member Erik Bottcher, who represents parts of the areas where bus routes are located, stressed the importance of seniors having reliable transportation.
“For many seniors, even a short trip to a doctor’s appointment, grocery store or community gathering can present a challenge,” he said. “By opening its shuttle network to neighborhood seniors, NYU is demonstrating how our major institutions can be good neighbors and use their resources to make a meaningful difference in people’s everday lives.”
How to apply for NYU’s free shuttle bus program
Applicants will be required to complete a hard-copy application. A downloadable PDF of the application will be available at NYU.edu starting Nov. 2.
Officials said applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with space available for the first 50 eligible seniors.
Applications to join the program will be available in Manhattan District 2 senior centers.
Interested applicants can also call 212-998-2400 if they have questions.
