Frequently Asked Questions

CityBench

Who can use a CityBench?

Anoyone can sit on a CityBench. The benches are for use by the general public and are not restricted to tenants of any particular building or patrons of any particular business.

Who can request a city bench?

Anyone can request a bench, as an individual or an organization. The adjacent property owner and local community board will be notified of the application.
Request a bench.

Can I request multiple benches at once?

You can request up to two benches for a single site. If you would like to request a large number of benches at multiple sites, please contact citybench@dot.nyc.gov or call 212-839-6569.

Who pays for a CityBench?

DOT covers the costs of installing and maintaining the bench. The CityBench program is funded by a $2.4 million Bus Livability Grant from the Federal Transit Administration to further their goal to "help integrate transit into a community through neighborhood improvements and enhancements to transit facilities or services, or make improvements to areas adjacent to public transit facilities that may facilitate mobility demands of transit users or support other infrastructure investments that enhance the use of transit for the community."

How do I find out the status of my application for a bench?

You will be notified via phone or email about the decision regarding your bench application(s).

How long will it take for DOT to install a bench if the site is approved?

The timing of a CityBench installation depends on many factors, including the number of bench requests citywide and the availability of benches from the manufacturer. The installation of 1,000 benches will continue on a rolling basis from March 2012 through 2015.

Where can a CityBench be installed?

A CityBench can be installed on any sidewalk that is wide enough to accommodate it, particularly at bus stops, commercial streets, and areas with high concentrations of seniors. The first set of locations will be bus stops that do not meet site requirements for bus shelters. The installations will be equitably distributed throughout all five boroughs and will receive input from community groups, such as community boards, organizations that advocate for seniors, and other advocacy groups. Property owners and Community Boards will be notified of the locations and given a comment period before installation proceeds.

What are the dimensions of a CityBench and what are the siting requirements?

A CityBench is approximately 3 feet tall, 7.5 feet long, and 2 feet deep. A CityBench at the curb must be sited no less than 18 inches and no more than 24 inches from the curb. A CityBench along a building must be no more than 18 inches from the building line. Benches must be at least 36" away from other objects installed on the street.

How does DOT decide whether to install a backed or backless bench?

Backed benches are intended to be installed either at the curb and facing towards the buildings, or at the building line and facing towards the street. Backless benches are intended to be installed at bus stops or other locations where seated persons might wish to have the option of facing towards the buildings OR towards the street. When requesting a bench, you may indicate your preference for a backed bench or a backless bench.

Who do I contact if a bench needs to removed or relocated?

If for some reason, such as construction activity or changes to bus stop locations, a bench needs to be removed or relocated, please email citybench@dot.nyc.gov or call 311.

Who maintains the CityBench?

DOT will replace damaged benches. Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks around benches clean and cleared of snow as required by law.

Who should I contact if a bench is damaged or broken?

To report damage to a CityBench, please email citybench@dot.nyc.gov or call 311.