Brooklyn shop bans MTA workers after bus driver gets into fight with manager

A Brooklyn Heights grocery store has posted signs on its windows telling MTA workers they're not allowed inside after a bus driver got into an argument with the shop's manager.

The store — Town Market — sits at the foot of Brooklyn Bridge Park next to the final stop on the B63 bus route. MTA workers sometimes use the shop's bathrooms during their breaks, according to JP Patafio, head of buses at Transport Workers Union Local 100.

But Patafio said the store banned bus drivers from even entering the store last month after an on-duty operator got into an unspecified altercation with its manager.

"We cannot serve or allow any MTA workers in the store or the cafe," says a sign taped to the shop's window.

The shop also has signs stating its restrooms are not open to any member of the public.

Patafio said the shop filed a complaint with the MTA and transit officials said the employee no longer works for them. He said the incident highlights a bigger problem for bus drivers: finding places to use the bathroom.

"The issue more broadly speaking is one that confronts bus operators all the time because we don't work in an office. We work in a bus and there aren't bathrooms in the bus," said Patafio said. "So when an operator has to relieve themselves, they have to find a storefront."

MTA employees are told to go to the nearest transit facility to use the restroom. The transit authority and local businesses will often get into either formal or informal agreements to allow bus employees to use the bathroom at a store.

The MTA declined to comment on the matter.

Patafio said he wants the city and MTA to open up more public bathrooms across the five boroughs. Mayor Eric Adams in June announced that the city plans to build or renovate 82 public restrooms over the next five years. According to an official city map of public restrooms , a bathroom is available just a few minutes away from the B63 bus stop on Pier 6 in the Brooklyn Bridge Park — but it still might be too far a walk for bus drivers who have to keep a tight schedule.

A manager or representative of Town Market could not be reached for comment. Gothamist visited Town Market on Monday afternoon, but it was closed due to electrical issues, according to an employee overseeing the store on location.