FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Transit

When will the new transit service start? The new transit service, named the Hudson Link, began operation in October 2018. Learn more at the Hudson Link website.

How does it improve transit? Central to the Lower Hudson Transit Link (LHTL) program is the creation of the new Hudson Link transit service, which features state-of-the-art vehicles for a more comfortable ride and new traffic signals that provide priority to transit vehicles at certain intersections. There are also intersection improvements that make accessing the bus safer, new bus stations and enhanced passenger amenities to make the trip more enjoyable. The Hudson Link bus service also maximizes the benefits of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, including a dedicated bus lane.

Who operates the bus service? Transdev is the transit service operator responsible for setting schedules, operating and maintaining buses, and maintaining station areas, including the new technology and communications equipment. Transdev will also manage marketing, promotions, and customer service. If you have a specific questions or concerns, you can contact Transdev’s Customer Service Phone line at 844-822-8920 or email info.ridehudsonlink@transdev.com.

Am I able to transfer to the BeeLine and/or TOR buses? Yes. One of NYSDOT’s goals for this new bus service is to make transfers to other local bus services as seamless as possible. The majority of Hudson Link stops are located adjacent to (or within about one block of) Bee-Line or TOR stops.

Is there express service between Palisades Lot J and Tarrytown? Yes, during weekday peak periods the H07x bus schedule is designed to connect with Metro-North Railroad express trains at Tarrytown Station. There is also local service between Lot J and Tarrytown Station via Nyack. To see the bus schedules, visit the Hudson Link website.

Does the bus still run to White Plains? Yes. Buses departing Monsey and buses departing from Lot J at the Palisades Center both run to White Plains. Some run local through Nyack; others run directly from Lot J to White Plains.

Regarding fare payment, how much will it cost to ride it? Do monthly Metro-North ticket holders get a special rate? Single rides cost $2.75. The Senior / Disabled Fare is $1.35. The new system will continue to honor the UniTicket. All fare information is available on the Hudson Link website.

Can I use my MetroCard? No. You will not be able to use a MetroCard. NYSDOT recognizes that the MTA is preparing to phase out the MetroCard in the coming years, in favor of a new fare payment technology. At that time, the Hudson Link operator will install new readers so passengers may pay their fares using this technology.

What forms of fare payment are accepted? On the bus, passengers can pay with their UniTicket or cash (exact change). Selected stops also feature Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), which accept credit/debit cards. The GoMobile app allows riders to purchase tickets in advance. To learn about the Hudson Link GoMobile app, visit the website.

When will future phases for the bus service roll out? The future phases of the Hudson Link, proposed by the MTTF, will be implemented as funding and ridership warrant. While there has been interest from local elected officials on starting the phase with service between White Plains and Port Chester, there is currently no set timeline for the implementation of that service or other future phases.

What is the frequency of buses? Most routes run a bus every 15 to 20 minutes during peak periods on weekdays and vary between 25 and 40 minutes on weekends. To see the schedules for all routes, visit the Hudson Link website.

What are the buses’ hours of operation? The bus service runs seven days a week from early in the morning (about 4 a.m.) until late at night (about midnight). To see the earliest and latest buses for all routes, visit the Hudson Link website.

Are there dedicated bus lanes on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge? Yes. Currently there is a dedicated bus lane in the eastbound direction which Hudson Link and other transit buses can use. The dedicated lane in the westbound direction is expected to be complete by summer 2019.

Will the bus lane also be an HOV or HOT lane? No. The environmental assessment was only for a bus lane on the new bridge. HOV/HOT was not considered for the bridge as part of that project.

Is there WiFi on the buses? The buses have WiFi. Most bus shelters are also designed to have WiFi. The buses have USB ports to allow passengers to charge their devices during their travel.

What types of buses does the Hudson Link use? NYSDOT selected a new, state-of-the-art bus for the Hudson Link service. The 31-bus fleet of enhanced Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach buses is 45 feet long and has seating for 57 passengers, overhead storage, ADA lift, and racks on front for up to three (3) bicycles.

What kind of fuel do the buses use? The buses use ultra-low sulfur diesel and employ systems for emissions and particulate matter (PM) reduction, so that they are compliant with national regulations.

Where are the stops for the new service? Stop locations are similar to the stops from the prior Tappan Zee Express (TZx) service. To see the maps and schedules for all routes, visit the Hudson Link website.

What components of the LHTL project were in place at the start of the Hudson Link service and which are still under construction? All critical components for the bus service and associated Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) elements were completed in late 2018, including bus shelters, ramp metering at select locations in Westchester County, Transit Signal Priority at select intersections, and queue jump lanes. Components to be delivered after 2018 are related to the enhanced functionality of the support system at the HVTMC and the remaining infrastructure improvements, such as additional ramp meters in Rockland County.

Is the trip faster than it was before? The transit service takes advantage of time-saving aspects like off-board fare collection and benefits from elements of the Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system, such as ramp metering, which improves travel time for all users, and Transit Signal Priority. If you are traveling across the new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, you will also have the dedicated bus lane. The Bus Lane on the Bridge study estimated travel time savings of between 2 and 5 minutes in the morning peak on typical day.

How were Hudson Link routes and stops selected? Hudson Link routes and stops are intended to closely mirror those of the previous TZx bus service. Stop locations were presented to the Technical Advisory Committee and displayed at the fall open house events in 2016. The final set of stops in Westchester and Rockland counties were included in the Final Design Report. Route planning began with the Mass Transit Task Force (MTTF) in 2012, based on ridership projections, advice of local experts, and housing and employment data. The service plan has been modified slightly to provide the fastest and most frequent service possible to the greatest number of destinations within the project budget.

What is BRT? Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a roadway-based rapid transit system that looks and feels much like a train, offering high-capacity rapid transit service on reserved lanes or city streets, enabling buses to travel at higher speeds and to have more reliable times. The goal is for the Hudson Link to eventually grow into a true regional BRT system. Learn more about future phases of the Hudson Link (June 2015 MTTF Presentation).

ICM

What is ICM? Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) is a system which uses technology and real-time traffic information to manage transportation networks with greater efficiency. Sensors collect traffic and transit data and utilize tools such as ramp meters to help control traffic flow and manage congestion. NYSDOT is working to bring a system integrator onboard to coordinate and manage the delivery of the ICM network.

How will ICM improve mobility? The ICM system, which optimizes the operation and performance of the corridor, allows for active management of highway congestion by allowing operating agencies to remotely control signal timing, ramp metering, and other roadway infrastructure and to respond to incidents in real time. The ICM system also can communicate real-time traffic information notify drivers to help them avoid congested areas or traffic incidents.

How does ICM benefit me as a driver? Does ICM help me as a bus rider? ICM’s components will result in smoother traffic flow, more consistent speeds, more reliable travel times, and safer travel conditions for drivers. Ramp meters with bus queue jumps, real-time travel information, and TSP (see below) will provide travel time savings to bus riders.

What is Ramp Metering? Ramp metering is explained in the video here . Ramp metering is a system used to manage congestion on the highway by regulating vehicle flow from local access entrance ramps. An entrance ramp is equipped with a metering device and traffic signal that allow vehicles to enter a facility at a controlled rate. Ramp meters are currently in use on sections of the Long Island Expressway and other major highways throughout the country. Traffic models of the I-287 Corridor show travel time savings between 9–16% during peak hours along the highway thanks to the installation of ramp meters. The ramp meters will be installed in phases. The first three locations in Westchester County were installed in October 2018 and are currently in operation. The remaining locations will be installed over the next two years – with five eastbound ramps installed by October 2019 and the five westbound ramps installed by October 2020. See the map for the planned and installation year.

What is Transit Signal Priority (TSP), and will it make my trip longer as a driver? TSP is a technique used at signalized intersections that gives priority to transit vehicles to reduce their delay in traversing the intersections. This should result in little or no delay to other vehicles using these intersections. For this project, TSP is being implemented along with other traffic signal upgrades that will help all vehicles move along the corridor more reliably.

Will there be HOV/HOT lanes on the ramps or on the highway? HOV/HOT lanes are not being considered for the highway in this phase of the project. However, a bus-priority queue jump lane will be included at Interchange 12 (northbound and southbound) as tied to the ramp metering component of the project and this lane will function as an HOV+2 lane during peak periods. This lane is expected to be build and in operation by Fall 2019.

When will the ICM projects be built? The critical elements were built in 2018, with additional infrastructure to be brought online in 2019 and 2020.

Pedestrian/Bicycle Questions

How will the project help cyclists? The new buses have bike racks on the front so passengers can bring their bicycles along for the ride. The bus racks can hold up to three (3) bikes. There are also bike racks at, or near, bus stops, as space permits.

How will the project help pedestrians? Many of the intersections along the bus route, especially those near bus stations, have been or will be improved with new crosswalks, pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, and, in some locations, new sidewalks. The LHTL project will implement many of the recommendations for new sidewalks and pedestrian accommodations generated by the community as part of the Routes 59 & 45 Safety Study, which NYSDOT led in Spring Valley and Monsey.

Which intersections are getting pedestrian improvements? Most of the intersections near the new bus shelters, specific intersections in Nyack and Tarrytown, and along the Routes 59 & 45 Safety Study corridor. Exact locations of pedestrian improvements can be found in the Final Design Report/Environmental Assessment (Exhibit 3.2-b on pages 3-3–3-5).

Are you putting in any new sidewalks? Where? Yes, there is a 3-mile section of the Route 59 corridor that will receive new sidewalks. The need for this work was identified during the Routes 59 and 45 Pedestrian Safety Study, which was completed by NYSDOT in 2016. The LHTL capital works program includes many of the short-term recommendations from that study. All elements being constructed in that section of the corridor can be see here. Also, small sections of new sidewalk are being installed near bus shelters in Suffern, Spring Valley and Nyack.

Are there stops for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Shared Use Path (SUP) in both Rockland and Westchester counties? The Hudson Link service stops near access points to the SUP in Tarrytown and in South Nyack.

Park & Rides

What is the Monsey Park & Ride? Rockland County is in the process of constructing a new Park & Ride lot just east of Saddle River Road in Monsey. This new facility will have a shelter for the Hudson Link bus and other commuter bus services and parking spots. Until that construction is complete, Hudson Link buses stop at the former Drive-In Theater which also functions as a Park & Rider facility for other commuter services.

What is happening at the Nanuet Park & Ride? NYSDOT has completed upgrades at the Park & Ride lots at Interchange 14 in Nanuet. The upgrades included new gated bus access from I-287, new bus shelters, sign and pavement marking upgrades, and improvements to the lot surface, drainage and lighting. New bus shelters serve as the stop location for the Hudson Link bus service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transit

ICM

Pedestrian/Bicycle Questions

Park & Rides

Other Questions