In 2004, the NYC Department of Transportation, MTA New York City Transit, and the New York State Department of Transportation began studying how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could improve transit service in New York City. Through a process that involved detailed analysis and significant public outreach, the agencies developed a set of recommended routes that would be most appropriate for BRT improvements, known as Select Bus Service. These routes were included in PlaNYC 2030, Mayor Bloomberg's comprehensive sustainability plan for the City’s future .
The following Select Bus Service routes incorporate BRT elements to serve different types of bus routes and streets around the city.
- Fordham Road-Pelham Parkway Select Bus Service started service in June 2008 in the Bronx and increased speeds by 20%, with 98% of riders satisfied or very satisfied with the new service.
- First Avenue/Second Avenue Select Bus Service began in October 2010. Offset and curbside bus lanes are paired with pedestrian and bicycling improvements.
- The 34th Street Select Bus Service project seeks to improve transit service, pedestrian safety and mobility and curb access on one of Manhattan’s most celebrated streets. Fare pre-payment along the route begins in November 2011, with additional street design improvements to follow in 2012.
- Nostrand Avenue-Rogers Avenue Select Bus Service will be a 9.3 mile route along a key north-south corridor in Brooklyn, connecting densely-populated residential areas with multiple subway lines, bus routes, shopping areas, two colleges, and two major hospitals
- The Hylan Boulevard Transportation Study is looking at ways to improve safety and mobility for drivers, transit riders and pedestrians on the South Shore of Staten Island’s main artery.
- Webster Avenue Select Bus Service is the newest effort by DOT and MTA NYC Transit to bring BRT style improvements to NYC. The project, which is now in the planning stages, will be looking to improve the existing Bx41 bus route in the Bronx, benefiting the 22,000 daily Bx41 passengers.
The Future of Select Bus Service
The report Bus Rapid Transit Phase II: Future Corridors (June 2010) outlines 16 potential future Select Bus Service corridors in New York City. Moving forward, DOT and NYCT will develop new BRT services based on available funding, community support, and progress on related transit projects. For each corridor, NYCT and DOT will engage in an extensive community planning effort.
Learn more about BRT Phase II.
