MTA Bus Crashes Into Yonkers Storefront, Renewing Debate Over Waterfront Bus Depot

A New York City MTA bus slammed into a storefront and several parked cars along Warburton and Ashburton Avenues this week, sparking fresh concern over transit safety and once again placing the long-standing Yonkers waterfront bus depot under public scrutiny. Thankfully, only minor injuries were reported, but the crash quickly reignited frustration among residents and local officials who have questioned the depot’s placement in the heart of a rapidly developing corridor.

Within hours of the incident, Mayor Mike Spano took to social media to reiterate his position that the depot — which sits on prime waterfront real estate — no longer aligns with Yonkers’ growth, economy, or future vision. Spano emphasized that the city’s shoreline has transformed dramatically in recent years, shifting from industrial lots to new housing, restaurants, and public spaces that are helping fuel a modern downtown revival.

“New York City’s MTA bus depot no longer belongs on the Yonkers waterfront,” Spano wrote. “The waterfront has changed. What was once an industrial area is now home to housing, restaurants, public spaces, and a growing downtown economy.”

City officials note that unlike local properties, the depot generates no property tax revenue, costing Yonkers an estimated $400,000 annually — funds that could otherwise bolster public services and infrastructure. Spano argues that relocating the facility to New York City would open the door for further development and unlock economic opportunities long stalled by the depot’s footprint.

“The bus depot provides no benefit to Yonkers taxpayers,” Spano continued. “I am calling for the bus depot to be relocated to New York City so Yonkers can continue moving forward with the redevelopment of its waterfront and the continued growth of the City.”

While no formal relocation plan has been announced by the MTA, the latest crash adds urgency to negotiations and elevates calls among local leaders for action. For now, the intersection has reopened, cleanup crews have cleared debris, and investigations into the collision remain ongoing.

But as Yonkers builds toward a vibrant waterfront district, the bus crash may end up being more than a traffic incident — it could become a tipping point for long-debated change.