How ‘Bus Girlies’ Navigate Underground Crime in NYC and Encourage Others to Choose Buses over Subways

How ‘Bus Girlies’ Navigate Underground Crime in NYC and Encourage Others to Choose Buses over Subways

In the face of rising crime rates in New York City, a new group of women called the “bus girlies” have emerged, advocating for buses as a safer, cleaner, and more affordable alternative to subways. These women have taken to social media platforms like TikTok to share their experiences and encourage others to consider taking the bus instead of the subway.

One of the prominent figures in this movement is Tatiana Alvarez, an Upper East Side content creator. Alvarez recently shared a TikTok video urging women to try taking the bus, which garnered over 53,000 likes and revealed a community of fellow bus supporters. She explained that she feels safer on buses because she can easily get off if she feels uncomfortable, unlike on the subway where one has to wait until the next stop.

The idea of being trapped in a subway car during an emergency, such as the Brooklyn subway shooting in March, gives Alvarez anxiety. She believes that taking the bus allows her to feel calm and safe on her way to wherever she’s going, eliminating the need to constantly be on high alert.

Other influencers and content creators, such as Tierra Chess from Laurelton, Queens, have also joined the bus girlies movement. Chess shares safety tips for taking public transportation in New York City and abroad with her followers. She acknowledges that it can be challenging to stay safe while using public transportation and sees buses as a viable alternative to subways.

Data supports the claims made by the bus girlies. An analysis by The Post found that buses are indeed safer than subways. From September through February, there was a more than 50% chance of encountering crimes on the subway compared to the bus. In February alone, there were 392 crimes reported on the subways, while buses saw only 60 incidents in the same period.

Subway customer satisfaction has also been declining, dropping from 58% in September to 52% in February according to MTA customer satisfaction surveys. On the other hand, bus satisfaction has increased from 59% to 61% in the same period. Many women have taken to social media to express their preference for buses over subways, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the subway system.

While the bus girlies movement focuses on safety concerns, there are other factors that make buses an attractive option. For example, during a recent torrential downpour, the Herald Square subway station was flooded and filled with a strong odor. Homeless individuals seeking shelter also crowded the station, making it an unpleasant experience for commuters. Buses offer a cleaner and more comfortable alternative during such situations.

Although the bus may add an extra 15 to 30 minutes to travel time, many women, like Alvarez, believe it’s worth it. They prioritize their safety and peace of mind over a slightly longer commute. As crime rates continue to rise and dissatisfaction with the subway system grows, it’s likely that more individuals, particularly women, will consider joining the bus girlies movement and opting for buses over subways.

In conclusion, the bus girlies movement in New York City has gained momentum as women advocate for buses as a safer, cleaner, and more affordable alternative to subways. Through social media platforms like TikTok, these women share their experiences and encourage others to choose buses over subways. Data supports their claims, revealing that buses have fewer reported crimes compared to subways. With declining subway customer satisfaction and increasing dissatisfaction with the system, more individuals may join the bus girlies movement in the future.