In the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn NY and some parts outside of the city; there are independent service drivers who own "$1.00 Vans" ( not sure if the price went up due to gas and inflation but this is what they charged per person) but, I was told that such a thing isn't encouraged here because the city buses and two taxi services are enough. They are not. There are many people who dont drive, who are disabled etc who cannot wait 30 mins for a city bus to arrive or have the fee for a taxi. Think about those who live in rural areas and suburbs that do not have a city bus going out that far. Many of these residents don't have a car and must rely on family or walk. If their elderly and alone, not all have an access-a-ride van available. I say start a fleet of vans that exclusively drive out to rural and suburban communities and pick up passengers and drive them to their destinations and back from designated stops. They should run every 15 minutes. That's 4 times an hour and could charge a nominal fee ( This is just an example: say $5.00 per person x a 15 passenger van = 75 x 10 hrs, say 7AM - 7PM for 5 days ( 4 weekdays/1 weekend day) = $3750 per week x 52 weeks = $195,000 yr, possibly more due to how many people per day are picked up) to help generate revenue for the driver(60% of profits) and the city (40% of profits for taxes & fees). Driver incurs all maintenance & insurance of the vehicle and would be an Independent operator following city codes and ordinances having to do with public transportation. They cannot stop in the same areas as city buses but cross streets and hard to reach neighborhoods far from city bus routes.

Also, bus shelters are needed ALL over the city, especially on days that are extremely hot or cold. Shelters with a bench with arm railings ( to discourage homeless from sleeping on them) for elderly and mothers with young children who need to sit and wait would help.