B54 (New York City bus)

File:MTA New Flyer XD40 7866.jpg

The B54's western terminus is at Jay Street and Willoughby Street near the Jay Street–MetroTech station in Downtown Brooklyn. From here, eastbound service heads north on Jay Street, east on Tillary Street and south on Flatbush Avenue Extension before heading east on Myrtle Avenue. Service continues along Myrtle Avenue until it turns left onto Gates Avenue. Buses then make right turns onto St. Nicholas Avenue and Palmetto Street before terminating at the Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal at Palmetto Street and Wyckoff Avenue near the Myrtle–Wyckoff Avenues station in Ridgewood.{{rp|14}}

Westbound service continues via Myrtle Avenue until Lawrence Street, where buses make a left. Buses then make a right onto MetroTech Roadway and another right onto Jay Street to get back to the terminal.{{cite NYC bus|B54|access-date=April 8, 2020}}{{rp|14}}

The Brooklyn City Railroad was incorporated on December 17, 1853, with a capital of $2,500,000 ({{inflation|US|2,500,000|1853|r=-6|fmt=eq}}). Its first line, the Myrtle Avenue Line, was the first horsecar line in Brooklyn;{{rp|25}} it opened on July 3, 1854.See:

• {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48071740/the-new-railroads-in-the-citytrial/|title=The New Railroads in the City - Trial Trip|date=July 3, 1854|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=2|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-new-railroa/48071740/|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7937216/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|title=The City Railroads|date=July 5, 1854|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=2|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044810/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/7937216/|url-status=live}} The initial line began at Fulton Ferry, and ran southeast on Fulton Street and east on Myrtle Avenue to a temporary terminus at Marcy Avenue. An extension to Broadway, then known as Division Avenue, at Bushwick was completed in December 1854.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176678/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|title=Brooklyn Common Council|date=December 23, 1854|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=2|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407105134/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176678/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|url-status=live}} Myrtle Avenue itself had only been extended to Broadway from Cripplebush Road (today's Bedford Avenue) in 1852.{{Cite book|last=Armbruster|first=Eugene L.|url=https://archive.org/details/easterndistricto00armb|title=The Eastern District of Brooklyn|date=1912|pages=183}} On the second day of the horsecar's operation, a boy was injured while surfing outside one of the vehicles; author Brian Cudahy described this as a “sport” that would soon become quite popular with Brooklyn youth".{{rp|25–26}}

The Brooklyn City Railroad had planned to build a system of several horsecar lines across Brooklyn, but was only able to start horsecar service along Myrtle Avenue after buying the operating rights of a stage coach line that had been operated by Seymour L. Husted.{{cite book | last=Cudahy | first=Brian J. | title=How We Got to Coney Island: The Development of Mass Transportation in Brooklyn and Kings County | publisher=Fordham University Press | year=2009 | isbn=978-0-8232-2211-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJGUDwAAQBAJ | access-date=April 6, 2020 | archive-date=January 24, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044906/https://books.google.com/books?id=cJGUDwAAQBAJ | url-status=live }}{{rp|25–26}} The {{convert|3.43|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} line was double-tracked and took 33 to 37 minutes for horsecars to traverse. The route was originally plied by fifteen horsecars, each pulled by four horses.{{Cite book|last1=Roess|first1=Roger P.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&q=%22brooklyn+city+railroad%22+%22myrtle+avenue%22+bushwick+avenue&pg=PA76|title=The Wheels That Drove New York: A History of the New York City Transit System|last2=Sansone|first2=Gene|date=August 23, 2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-642-30484-2|pages=76|language=en|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044915/https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&q=%22brooklyn+city+railroad%22+%22myrtle+avenue%22+bushwick+avenue&pg=PA76#v=snippet&q=%22brooklyn%20city%20railroad%22%20%22myrtle%20avenue%22%20bushwick%20avenue&f=false|url-status=live}} The fare was originally four cents.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nIb4fQVV5Y8C&q=seymour+l.+husted+brooklyn+city+railroad&pg=PA86|title=The Brooklyn City and Kings County Record: A Budget of General Information : with a Map of the City, an Almanac, and an Appendix, Containing the New City Charter|date=1855|publisher=Compiled and published by William H. Smith|pages=87|language=en|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044809/https://books.google.com/books?id=nIb4fQVV5Y8C&q=seymour+l.+husted+brooklyn+city+railroad&pg=PA86#v=snippet&q=seymour%20l.%20husted%20brooklyn%20city%20railroad&f=false|url-status=live}}

In August 1879, the City Railroad extended the line one block east from Broadway to Bushwick Avenue, and acquired trackage rights over the Bushwick Railroad's Bushwick Avenue Line (which used Myrtle Avenue east of Bushwick Avenue) to Myrtle Avenue Park in Ridgewood, Queens. At Ridgewood, connections could be made to two steam dummy lines to local cemeteries—the Cypress Hills Line, and later the Lutheran Line.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176691/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|title=Myrtle Avenue Extension|date=August 18, 1879|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=4|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407105132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176691/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|url-status=live}} The City Railroad acquired these cemetery lines on July 27, 1888, with the lease of the Bushwick Railroad.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176702/|title=The Lease Ratified. And the Brooklyn City Will Operate Eastern District Lines.|date=July 27, 1888|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=4|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044917/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/48176702/|url-status=live}}

Myrtle Avenue horse cars were replaced with electric trolleys by July 1893.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24450440/|title=How the New Tax is Levied|date=July 17, 1893|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=10|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044810/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/24450440/|url-status=live}} The line was extended over the Brooklyn Bridge to Park Row Terminal in Lower Manhattan on February 15, 1898, along with three others, including the Graham Avenue Line.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176723/|title=Thousands Cross in Bridge Trolleys|date=February 16, 1898|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=16|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124044917/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/48176723/|url-status=live}} Cars reached the bridge by turning off Myrtle Avenue onto Washington Street, on trackage originally built for the DeKalb Avenue Line, and turning into Sands Street on trackage from the Graham Avenue Line.Carl-Axel Rheborg, [https://books.google.com/books?id=2OXifdf0CbUC Pocket Guide to New York], 1906, Page 65 The Myrtle Avenue Line was also one of seven that were moved to the new elevated structure on the Brooklyn Bridge on September 28, 1908; the lines accessed the structure using the Sands Street elevated station, on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. Cars returned to the old route along Myrtle Avenue and Fulton Street to the split for the new structure at Tillary Street.{{rp|222}}New York Department of Plant and Structures, [http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgenews/bb50/bb50.htm Brooklyn Bridge, 1883-1933] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313003624/http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgenews/bb50/bb50.htm |date=March 13, 2007 }} ([https://books.google.com/books?id=qAgFAAAAMAAJ also at Google Books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045309/https://books.google.com/books?id=qAgFAAAAMAAJ |date=January 24, 2024 }}) A separate summer-only service, called the Myrtle-Culver Line, also ran along the Myrtle Avenue surface line. It connected Ridgewood with Coney Island. It ran west on Myrtle Avenue from Ridgewood to Vanderbilt Avenue, and turned south there, using the Vanderbilt Avenue Line and Culver Line trackage to Coney Island.

The Myrtle Avenue Line was combined with the Court Street Line, which had also used the Brooklyn Bridge elevated tracks, to form the Myrtle Avenue and Court Street Line on April 3, 1938.{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=October 1970|title=Chronological List of Brooklyn Trolley Changes|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1970/1970-05-bulletin.pdf|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroader's Association|volume=13|issue=5|pages=3–8|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103160221/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1970/1970-05-bulletin.pdf|url-status=live}} This new route began at Garnett Street and Hamilton Avenue in Gowanus, and ran north on Court Street to Borough Hall and east on Myrtle Avenue to Palmetto Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Ridgewood.{{Cite book|title=Report for the three and one-half years ending June 30, 1949.|date=1949|publisher=New York City Board of Transportation|pages=49|hdl = 2027/mdp.39015023094926}} In February 1944, service was rerouted via Navy Street, Ashland Place and Willoughby Street instead of Jay Street and Adams Street. On July 27, 1944, service was rerouted in both directions via Adams Street between Willoughby Street and Myrtle Avenue.{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=August 1965|title=BMT Trolley Routes 1940-1956|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1965/1965-08-bulletin.pdf|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|pages=3–9|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103155951/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1965/1965-08-bulletin.pdf|url-status=live}} After elevated railroads stopped operating on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1944, the trolley routes began using the former elevated railroad tracks.{{cite book | author=Electric Railroaders Association | title=Headlights | publisher=Electric Railroaders Association. | issue=v. 11-14 | year=1949 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nnQTAAAAIAAJ | access-date=April 6, 2020 | quote=After the abandonment of elevated service [which was March 5, 1944], the "el" terminals at the ends of the bridge were demolished together with the approaches mentioned [the elevated trolley structure]. Overhead wire was strung along the elevated tracks on the bridge and a number of new switches together with new track was constructed together with 7 new loops at Park Row... Trolleys began using the old "el" tracks December 15, 1944. | archive-date=January 24, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045309/https://books.google.com/books?id=nnQTAAAAIAAJ | url-status=live }}

File:MTA Jay St 01.jpg

Beginning in the 1920s, many streetcar lines in Queens, Brooklyn, and the rest of the city began to be replaced by buses, particularly after the unification of the city's three primary transit companies (including the BMT) under municipal operations in June 1940.{{cite book|last=Sparberg|first=Andrew J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oktGCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA111|title=From a Nickel to a Token: The Journey from Board of Transportation to MTA|date=October 1, 2014|publisher=Fordham University Press|isbn=978-0-8232-6190-1|pages=6–9}} On June 30, 1949, the New York City Board of Estimate approved the full motorization of the Myrtle Avenue and Court Street Line with buses.{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204576.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F6184100fd73ca9e87daf98b411f1301d#page=1|title=Shifts to Buses Okayed by Board|date=July 1, 1949|work=Long Island Star-Journal|access-date=March 21, 2016|agency=Fultonhistory.com|page=7|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045417/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949/Long%20Island%20%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949%20-%204576.pdf#page=1|url-status=live}} The line was officially replaced by city-owned buses on July 17, 1949, and the route was split in two. Service along Myrtle Avenue was designated B54 ("B" being the designation for buses based in Brooklyn), and the line along Court Street was designated the B66. The eastern terminal of the B54 was moved to Myrtle Avenue and Palmetto Street, and it western terminal was changed to Myrtle Avenue and Washington Avenue. Service on the B54 was initially provided with ten buses, while B66 service was provided with eight buses.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/57072898/?terms=flushing%2Bridgewood%2Bbus|title=Buses to Replace Crosstown Trolley|date=July 14, 1949|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 30, 2015|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922143359/https://www.newspapers.com/image/57072898/?terms=flushing%2Bridgewood%2Bbus|url-status=live}} On September 17, 1954, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) approved a plan to cut Brooklyn bus service by 10%, including the elimination of B54 service between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. to cut costs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41689884/bklyn-surface-lines-service-slashed-by/|title=B'klyn Surface Lines Service Slashed by TA|date=September 17, 1954|work=New York Daily News|access-date=April 13, 2020|pages=78|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045421/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-surface-lines-service/41689884/|url-status=live}} Free transfers would have been provided between the B53 and B57 to make up for the loss of evening and overnight B54 service.{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%252000213_1.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D792f75b4%26DocId%3D5376433%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D227%2B228%2B229%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%252000213_1.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D792f75b4%26DocId%3D5376433%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D227%2B228%2B229%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Transit Authority Proposes Cut In Local Bus Service|date=November 11, 1954|work=Queens Ledger|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045319/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%252000213_1.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D792f75b4%26DocId%3D5376433%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D227%2B228%2B229%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%2FMaspeth%2520NY%2520Queens%2520Ledger%25201954-1955%252000213_1.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D792f75b4%26DocId%3D5376433%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D227%2B228%2B229%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201954%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201954%2520a%2520-%25200849.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffc189ab08%26DocId%3D4445640%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D925%2B926%2B927%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201954%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201954%2520a%2520-%25200849.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffc189ab08%26DocId%3D4445640%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D925%2B926%2B927%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title='Brooklyn' Program Hits Queens: TA Slashes Service On Two Bus Lines|date=November 6, 1954|work=Long Island Star-Journal|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045405/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201954/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201954%20a%20-%200849.pdf#xml=https://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=ffffffffc189ab08&DocId=4445640&Index=Z%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP&HitCount=3&hits=925+926+927+&SearchForm=%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml&.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%252000843_2.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2b9fe938%26DocId%3D5529613%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D6%26hits%3D4ed%2B4ee%2B4ef%2B8bc%2B8bd%2B8be%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%252000843_2.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2b9fe938%26DocId%3D5529613%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D6%26hits%3D4ed%2B4ee%2B4ef%2B8bc%2B8bd%2B8be%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Hearing Monday on Proposed City Bus Service Changes: Metropolitan, Myrtle and Grand Street Lines Affected by New York Transit Authority's Recommendations|date=November 11, 1954|work=Ridgewood Times|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045320/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%252000843_2.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2b9fe938%26DocId%3D5529613%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D6%26hits%3D4ed%2B4ee%2B4ef%2B8bc%2B8bd%2B8be%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%2FRidgewood%2520%2520NY%2520Times%25201953-1954%252000843_2.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2b9fe938%26DocId%3D5529613%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D6%26hits%3D4ed%2B4ee%2B4ef%2B8bc%2B8bd%2B8be%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|url-status=live}} On January 20, 1955, the NYCTA approved a resolution to defer the planned service cuts until after July 1, 1955, pending additional ridership checks.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MrAjAQAAMAAJ&q=IN+SAID+RESOLUTIONS+OF+SEPTEMBER+16,+1954|title=Minutes and Proceedings of the New York City Transit Authority Volume IV|date=1955|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=956, 1548|language=en|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045407/https://books.google.com/books?id=MrAjAQAAMAAJ&q=IN+SAID+RESOLUTIONS+OF+SEPTEMBER+16,+1954|url-status=live}}

The Myrtle Avenue bus line had been located under the Myrtle Avenue Elevated for its entire length since the elevated line opened in 1889.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176844/|title=To Greenwood on Thursday|date=August 14, 1889|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=1|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/48176844/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48176852/|title=The Fifth Avenue Elevated to Greenwood|date=August 15, 1889|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 7, 2020|page=6|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045818/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/48176852/|url-status=live}} Bus service along the corridor took 34 minutes, 11 minutes longer than the elevated trains.{{Cite news|last=Merlis|first=George|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2520-%25201107.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffb8efde6d%26DocId%3D132203%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D1eb%2B1ec%2B1ed%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2520-%25201107.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffb8efde6d%26DocId%3D132203%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D1eb%2B1ec%2B1ed%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=The Myrtle Ave. El Rolls Into Dispute: Politicians Propose Its Removal|date=March 3, 1965|work=Brooklyn World-Telegram|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045825/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2520-%25201107.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffb8efde6d%26DocId%3D132203%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D1eb%2B1ec%2B1ed%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201965%2520-%25201107.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffb8efde6d%26DocId%3D132203%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520X%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D1eb%2B1ec%2B1ed%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|url-status=live}} On October 4, 1969, the Myrtle Avenue Elevated west of the Broadway station was abandoned, the bus line became the only transportation option on Myrtle Avenue west of Broadway.{{cite news|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/10/04/archives/1200-on-last-trip-on-myrtle-ave-el-cars-are-stripped.html|title=1,200 on Last Trip on Myrtle Ave. El|date=October 4, 1969|page=23|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-date=October 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010220719/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/10/04/archives/1200-on-last-trip-on-myrtle-ave-el-cars-are-stripped.html|url-status=live}} Bus service was increased by 700%, with service running as frequently as every 2.5 minutes during rush hours and every 20 minutes overnight.{{Cite news|url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2520-%25200628.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffbcdc6f48%26DocId%3D1050537%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520S%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D2a9%2B2aa%2B2ab%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2520-%25200628.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffbcdc6f48%26DocId%3D1050537%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520S%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D2a9%2B2aa%2B2ab%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Part of Aged Myrtle Ave. El To Close Sat.|date=October 3, 1969|work=New York and Brooklyn Daily|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420035148/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2520-%25200628.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffbcdc6f48%26DocId%3D1050537%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520S%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D2a9%2B2aa%2B2ab%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520New%2520York%2520and%2520Brooklyn%2520Daily%25201970%2520-%25200628.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffffbcdc6f48%26DocId%3D1050537%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520S%26HitCount%3D3%26hits%3D2a9%2B2aa%2B2ab%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|archive-date=April 20, 2020|url-status=dead}} Some of the increased service was provided by new short-turn trips that ran between Downtown Brooklyn and Broadway, with a terminal loop of Myrtle Avenue, Lewis Avenue, Stockton Street and Broadway.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c-gxGpL_JNQC&q=%22b-54%22+%22myrtle+avenue%22|title=Proceedings of the New York City Transit Authority Relating to Matters Other Than Operation|date=1969|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=372–373|language=en|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045819/https://books.google.com/books?id=c-gxGpL_JNQC&q=%22b-54%22+%22myrtle+avenue%22|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/29374920236/in/album-72157704582181172/|title=Bus Schedule & Guide Route B54 Myrtle Ave.|date=October 4, 1969|website=New York City Transit Authority|via=Flickr|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124045920/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/29374920236/in/album-72157704582181172/|url-status=live}} In addition, a special transfer was given to B54 riders between the {{stn|Jay Street–Borough Hall}} and {{stn|Myrtle Avenue–Broadway}} subway stations, allowing travelers who had used the Myrtle Avenue Elevated to make the connection via the bus.B-54 Myrtle Avenue Route transfers: towards [http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/transfers/b-54-bdwy-nas-paper.jpg Jay Street–Borough Hall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025612/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/transfers/b-54-bdwy-nas-paper.jpg |date=September 28, 2007 }} and [http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/transfers/b-54-metro-ave-paper.jpg Broadway–Myrtle Avenue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025623/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/transfers/b-54-metro-ave-paper.jpg |date=September 28, 2007 }} (via thejoekorner.com)

Following the September 11 attacks, additional security measures were implemented at MetroTech Center, including the rerouting of B54 service out of MetroTech.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/b54-returns-metrotech-center-and-eastern-bronx-bus-service-revised|title=B54 Returns to MetroTech Center and Eastern Bronx Bus Service Revised|date=October 20, 2010|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103160001/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/b54-returns-metrotech-center-and-eastern-bronx-bus-service-revised|url-status=live}} On July 1, 2007, the travel path of the B54's terminal loop in Downtown Brooklyn was reversed to improve traffic flow and to provide faster service to the Jay Street subway station.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us:80/nyct/service/bus/bussrvnobn.htm|title=Bus Service Notices Brooklyn|date=2008|website=mta.nyc.ny.us|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108121414/http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/service/bus/bussrvnobn.htm|archive-date=January 8, 2008|access-date=June 28, 2019}} Service started terminating at the newly opened Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal, located on Palmetto Street, on August 20, 2010. Palmetto Street was closed to all traffic except for New York City Transit buses and deliveries. The terminal is bordered on the south by the intersection of Myrtle and Wyckoff Avenues and on the north by St. Nicholas Avenue.{{Cite web|url=http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/9260584/article-MTA-opens--10M-Ridgewood-Intermodal-Terminal|title=MTA opens $10M Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal - When the combined powers of mother nature and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority go awry straphangers living in two-fare zones often pay the highest price. Those are the people who must take a ...|last=Bush|first=Daniel|date=August 24, 2010|website=queensledger.com|publisher=Queens Ledger|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508191547/http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/9260584/article-MTA-opens--10M-Ridgewood-Intermodal-Terminal|archive-date=May 8, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2016}} The change provided easier transfers between the B54, the subway and the other five bus routes using the terminal.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2010/08/26/new-ridgewood-intermodal-terminal|title=New Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal|date=August 26, 2010|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=February 10, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142555/http://www.mta.info/news/2010/08/26/new-ridgewood-intermodal-terminal|url-status=dead}} On November 7, 2010, direct service through MetroTech was restored as westbound service was rerouted off Flatbush Avenue Extension and Tillary Street, and onto Duffield Street and the MetroTech Roadway.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/b54-returns-metrotech-center|title=B54 Returns to MetroTech Center|date=November 4, 2010|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103160011/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/b54-returns-metrotech-center|url-status=live}} The change was possible because the tenant that required the security measures was leaving MetroTech; it was expected to improve reliability and provide faster service to the subway.

On April 8, 2012, eastbound bus service was rerouted off of Fulton Mall, Fulton Street and Ashland Place. Instead, bus service continued via Jay Street, Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue Extension before returning to Myrtle Avenue.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_B54.htm|title=Effective Sunday, April 8, 2012 Eastbound B54 buses rerouted in Downtown Brooklyn|date=2012|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103160302/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_B54.htm|url-status=live}} In response to declining ridership, the MTA proposed reducing bus frequencies along the B54 route in July 2019,{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=MTA to slash service along three Brooklyn bus lines | website=Brooklyn Paper | date=July 23, 2019 | url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/mta-to-slash-service-along-three-brooklyn-bus-lines/ | access-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603160631/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/mta-to-slash-service-along-three-brooklyn-bus-lines/ | url-status=live }} prompting demonstrations from opponents.{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=Bake off: Locals rally, make pastries in opposition to B54 bus cuts | website=Brooklyn Paper | date=August 9, 2019 | url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/bake-off-locals-rally-make-pastries-in-opposition-to-b54-bus-cuts/ | access-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603160632/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/bake-off-locals-rally-make-pastries-in-opposition-to-b54-bus-cuts/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Wong | first=Pamela | title=Myrtle Ave BID Petitions Against B54 Bus Cuts, Rally On Thursday | website=Bklyner | date=August 6, 2019 | url=https://bklyner.com/myrtle-ave-bid-petitions-against-b54-bus-cuts-rally-on-thursday/ | access-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603160631/https://bklyner.com/myrtle-ave-bid-petitions-against-b54-bus-cuts-rally-on-thursday/ | url-status=live }} The changes took effect in September 2019,{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=Bunch of bull: MTA scheme to prevent 'bunching' along B54 by eliminating buses fails | website=Brooklyn Paper | date=September 9, 2019 | url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/bunch-of-bull-mta-scheme-to-prevent-bunching-along-b54-by-eliminating-buses-fails/ | access-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603160631/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/bunch-of-bull-mta-scheme-to-prevent-bunching-along-b54-by-eliminating-buses-fails/ | url-status=live }} in spite of riders' complaints that B38 buses were frequently overcrowded even before the service cuts.{{cite web | last=Frost | first=Mary | title=Bus riders and electeds unload on MTA officials at Clinton Hill town hall | website=Brooklyn Eagle | date=September 6, 2019 | url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/09/06/bus-riders-and-electeds-unload-on-mta-officials-at-clinton-hill-town-hall/ | access-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-date=June 3, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603160632/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/09/06/bus-riders-and-electeds-unload-on-mta-officials-at-clinton-hill-town-hall/ | url-status=live }}

{{Commons category|B54 (New York City bus)}}

• Brooklyn Bridge trolleys
• Greenpoint Line, which used the Myrtle Avenue trackage west of Classon Avenue
• Ralph and Myrtle Avenues Line, a combination of the Myrtle Avenue and Ralph Avenue Lines

{{reflist}}

{{attached KML|display=inline,title|from=B54 (New York City bus)}}

{{B&QT streetcar lines}}

{{Brooklyn bus routes}}

Category:Streetcar lines in Brooklyn

B054

B054