City Council members are challenging transit officials to justify why they are cutting some bus routes at a hearing today.

In general, New York City Transit said it has targeted bus lines near other mass transit alternatives. But Bronx Council Member James Vacca said several proposed cuts would force commuters to drive.

"The examples we are talking about on Staten Island and City Island and some of these outlying areas are going to strand people who have no alternative but to get in their car. And they will do so," Vacca says.

Transit President Tom Prendergast acknowledged some riders wouldn't have other options. But he also said he needed to consider savings everywhere while trying to affect as few riders as possible.

The transit cuts are slated to go into effect this summer; public MTA hearings on the issue are set to start next week.