By JEREMY TANNER wpix.com

9:43 a.m. EST, January 26, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Member James Vacca were in the Bronx Tuesday morning collecting signatures for a petition protesting the MTA's latest cutbacks.

The MTA voted Monday to reduce the service of 51 New York bus lines, despite data showing that both subway and bus service has already become increasingly undependable over the past two years.

Since November 2008, the number of subway lines that arrive at least five minutes late has jumped by 18 percent, with some lines, such as the A, B and Q lines, leading the pack of underachievers with 95 percent of trains arriving late.

The No. 6 train racked up more than 200 reported delays during the same time.

While overall weekend subway timetables have improved, construction prevented more than half of trains from arriving on time this past November.

Despite the widespread delays, the MTA will be reducing service on bus lines throughout the city, citing a lack of ridership. Extended wait times for buses should be expected beginning in April, with 19 of the 51 lines located in Manhattan.

The MTA is also considering substantial cutbacks in subway service, including a potential plan to run fewer trains during midday summer hours.

Monday's vote to cutback MTA bus service will reportedly save the agency $6 million, according to officials.