Better Buses
NYC DOT is committed to working with the MTA and NYPD to improve buses citywide, ensuring that New Yorkers have service that they can depend on. The Better Buses Action Plan is focused on improving bus speeds citywide by 25% and reversing downward bus ridership trends. This will be accomplished through NYC DOT projects using our bus priority toolkit, increased camera and NYPD enforcement of bus lanes, and service management initiatives and bus network redesigns by MTA.
Better Buses Goals
The Better Buses Action Plan includes the following goals:
Bus Priority
- Improve 5 miles of existing bus lanes each year
- Install 10–15 miles of new bus lanes each year
- Pilot up to 2 miles of physically separated bus lanes
- Implement NYC DOT street design projects that benefit 600,000 daily riders each year
Technology
- Add 300 Transit Signal Priority (TSP) intersections per year
Enforcement
- Expand bus lane camera enforcement
- Increased NYPD bus lane enforcement with seven dedicated tow truck teams
Bus Stops
- Evaluate and improve bus stops
Working with the MTA
- Support MTA Bus Network Redesign efforts with borough bus priority plans
- Press for all-door boarding, restarting the SBS program, and other improvements to bus operations
NYC DOT’s Bus Priority Toolkit:
New Bus Lane
Bus lanes separate buses from general traffic, improving speed and reliability. They are typically located along the curb or “offset” from the curb, allowing the curb lane to be utilized for other purposes. Ensuring that bus lanes are not used by others is a challenge in New York City, so enforcement is crucial.
Upgraded Bus Lane
NYC DOT sometimes considers improving bus lanes to make them more effective. This may include extending hours, painting the lanes red, changing curbside lanes to offset lanes, or other measures.
Potential Protected Bus Lane
Surrounding a bus lane with a physical barrier makes it more difficult for other vehicles to illegally use the lane. This may improve the effectiveness of a bus lane where violations are rampant, but must be accompanied by measures that allow access to the curb for emergency vehicles.
Bus Boarders
Bus bulbs are permanent sidewalk extensions at bus stops that provide more space for waiting passengers and allow buses to save time by pulling up to the curb without leaving the travel lane. Durable recycled plastic “bus boarders” serve the same purpose, but do not require capital construction.
Bus Queue Jump Signal
In addition to corridor-wide Transit Signal Priority (TSP) treatments, dedicated bus signal phases are another way to use traffic signals to give buses priority through an intersection. These bus queue jump signals provide buses with a dedicated signal phase that allows them to bypass congested general traffic and get a head start.
Traffic Flow Improvement
Improving the general flow of traffic with signal timing adjustments or improved lane markings can also benefit buses.
Curb Management
Adequate and appropriate truck loading, passenger drop-off, and parking regulations can benefit bus operations by reducing double parking and the illegal use of bus lanes. Effective enforcement is also critical to curb management success.
Pedestrian Safety
Under Vision Zero, the City uses every tool at its disposal to improve the safety of our streets. Bus priority projects such as bus bulbs shorten pedestrian crossings and improve bus operations, and new crosswalks and median refuge islands can improve safety for all pedestrians, including bus riders accessing stops.
Bus Stop Accessibility
In addition to creating safer crossings, bus stops need to be accessible to everyone. This means that nearby sidewalks and pedestrian ramps should be present and in good condition. NYC DOT reviews and updates sidewalks and pedestrians ramps during bus priority projects.
Turn Restrictions
Limiting certain turns is another way that the City can increase safety for all users. In certain projects doing so also allows buses to avoid conflicts and move faster. Turn restrictions also benefit traffic flow.
Busway
Busways prioritize travel for buses and often trucks, with other motorized vehicles limited to local access. This treatment significantly reduces traffic volumes and congestion, improving bus speeds and reliability, while improving safety for all roadway users.
Current Better Buses Projects
Tremont Avenue Bus Priority, Bronx
NYC DOT, in cooperation with MTA, is proposing bus priority improvements on Tremont Avenue in the Bronx to improve travel speed and reliability for nearly 29,000 daily bus riders on the Bronx’s 4th busiest bus route. Tremont Avenue Bus Priority, Bronx - Community Advisory Board Meeting 1 in December 2022
Livingston Street Transit Priority Study, Brooklyn
NYC DOT, in cooperation with MTA, has initiated a Transit Priority Study for Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn, between Boerum Place and Flatbush Avenue. Livingston Street has been identified as a bus priority corridor in the NYC Streets Plan and MTA's Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign Draft Plan. The study will explore ways to improve bus speeds and safety for pedestrians and other users as they travel along Livingston Street. Livingston Street Transit Priority Study - presented to Brooklyn Community Board 2 in May 2023 Livingston Street Transit Priority Study, Brooklyn - Community Advisory Board Meeting 2 in May 2023 Livingston Street Transit Priority Study, Brooklyn - Community Advisory Board Meeting 1 in December 2022
First Avenue, East 61st Street to East 79th Street, Manhattan
NYC DOT is proposing bus lane enhancements on 1st Avenue between East 61st Street and East 79th Street. In 2010, NYC DOT and MTA launched a Select Bus Service Route on the M-15, which included part-time curbside bus lanes in this portion of the route. In recent years, frequent parking and loading during bus lane hours have led to declined bus speeds, all while ridership remains high. A refresh of the existing roadway design, this proposal includes an offset bus lane and expanded commercial curb access to improve bus speeds and reliability, while also improving curb management. First Avenue, East 61st Street to East 79th Street - presented to Manhattan Community Board 8 in July 2022 (pdf)
Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority, Brooklyn
NYC DOT, in cooperation with MTA, is investigating bus priority and pedestrian safety improvements on Flatbush Avenue between Tillary Street and Avenue V. Flatbush Avenue is one of the future bus priority corridors identified at the NYC/MTA Transit Improvement Summit and is a priority corridor in the NYC Streets Plan, as well as a Vision Zero priority corridor for safety improvements. Informed by a robust community outreach process, the project will explore and implement solutions to improve bus speeds and pedestrian safety. Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority - presented to Brooklyn Community Board 14 Transportation Committee in January 2023 Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority - Community Advisory Board Meeting in November 2022 Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority - presented to Brooklyn Community Board 9 Transportation Committee in September 2022 (pdf) Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority - June 2022 Kickoff Meeting
Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements, Bronx
NYC DOT is proposing bus and pedestrian improvements on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx to improve bus speed, bus reliability, and pedestrian safety. Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 11 in March 2023 Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 12 in March 2023 Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 7 in March 2023 Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Gun Hill Road Community Advisory Board in February 2023 Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Gun Hill Road Community Advisory Board in September 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 11 Transportation Committee in June 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements – presented to Bronx Community 12 Transportation Committee in June 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 7 Transportation Committee in June 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 12 Transportation Committee in April 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 11 Transportation Committee in April 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 7 Transportation Committee in April 2022 (pdf) Gun Hill Road Bus & Pedestrian Improvements - presented to Gun Hill Road Community Advisory Board in March 2022 (pdf)
Pelham Bay Park Station Area, Bronx
NYC DOT is proposing bus and pedestrian safety improvements around the Pelham Bay Park subway station area. This project proposes an eastbound contraflow bus lane on Westchester Avenue between Burr Avenue and the northbound Bruckner service road, a sidewalk extension, and new crosswalks, which together will support a relocated eastbound Bx12 SBS stop. The project also proposes a new bus lane on the Wilkinson Avenue overpass over the Bruckner Expressway. This proposal aims to reduce bus travel times and improve pedestrian safety. Pelham Bay Park Station Area - What's Happening Here Flyer (pdf) Pelham Bay Park Station Area – presented to Bronx Community Board 10 in May 2021 (pdf)
M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side Transit Improvements, Manhattan
NYC DOT is proposing bus priority treatments to the M14A/D bus route along Avenue A, Essex Street, Jackson Street, Avenue D, and Columbia Street in Manhattan to improve speed and reliability of bus journeys between the Lower East Side, East Village and the 14th Street Transit Truck Priority corridor. Improvements include bus lanes, turn bays, and updated curb regulations. M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side - What's Happening Here Flyer (pdf) M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side - What's Happening Here Flyer (Chinese pdf) M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side - What's Happening Here Flyer (Spanish pdf) M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side - presented to Manhattan Community Board 3 Transportation Committee in July 2021 (pdf) M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side - presented to Manhattan Community Board 3 Transportation Committee in June 2021 (pdf) Submit comments or questions about the M14A/D East Village/Lower East Side Transit Improvements
21st Street Bus Priority and Safety Study, Queens
NYC DOT, in cooperation with MTA, has initiated a Bus Priority and Safety Study for 21st Street in Astoria, Queens, between Queens Plaza North and Hoyt Avenue North. 21st Street has been identified as a Vision Zero priority corridor and a bus priority corridor in MTA's Queens Bus Network Redesign Draft Final Plan. The study will explore community-informed solutions to improve bus speeds and safety for pedestrians and other users of 21st Street. 21st Street, Queens Plaza North to 26th Road – What’s Happening Here Flyer (pdf) 21st Street, Queens Plaza North to Hoyt Avenue North - presented to Queens Community Board 1 in March 2022 (pdf) 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study – presented at a public meeting in January 2022 (pdf) 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study – presented at a public meeting in December 2021 (pdf) 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study - presented to 21st Street Community Advisory Board in November 2021 (pdf) 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study - presented to 21st Street Community Advisory Board in June 2021 (pdf) 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study - presented to 21st Street Community Advisory Board in April 2021 (pdf) Add Your Feedback to the 21st Street Bus Priority and Safety Study Map 21st St Bus Priority and Safety Study - presented to 21st Street Community Advisory Board in March 2021 (pdf)
Main Street Busway, Queens – Better Buses Restart
NYC DOT installed a northbound Main Street Busway in downtown Flushing from Sanford Avenue to Northern Boulevard on Main Street, which will also include two blocks of Kissena Boulevard from Sanford Avenue to Main Street. Buses, commercial trucks, and local access for private vehicles is allowed. The goal of this busway is to improve bus speeds and reliability as well as truck loading and unloading along the corridor. Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Main Street Busway Community Advisory Board in April 2021 (pdf) Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Main Street Busway Community Advisory Board in January 2021 (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Brochure - Better Buses Restart in English (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Brochure - Better Buses Restart in Chinese (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Brochure - Better Buses Restart in Korean (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Brochure - Better Buses Restart in Spanish (pdf) What’s Happening Here Main Street Busway - Better Buses Restart in English (pdf) What’s Happening Here Main Street Busway - Better Buses Restart in Chinese (pdf) What’s Happening Here Main Street Busway - Better Buses Restart in Korean (pdf) What’s Happening Here Main Street Busway - Better Buses Restart in Spanish (pdf) Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Public Information Session #2 in September 2020 (pdf) Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Public Information Session in September 2020 (pdf) Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Main Street Busway Community Advisory Board in September 2020 (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Overview in English (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Overview in Chinese (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Overview in Korean (pdf) Main Street Busway Pilot Overview in Spanish (pdf) Main Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Main Street Busway Community Advisory Board in June 2020 (pdf) Submit comments or questions about the Main Street Busway
Fordham Road, Major Deegan Expressway to Boston Road, Bronx
NYC DOT is investigating transit improvements along Fordham Road between the Major Deegan Expressway and Boston Road. Fordham Road is a vital crosstown Bronx corridor. Nine bus routes (Bx9, Bx12 SBS/Local, Bx17, Bx22, Bx34, Bee-Line 60-62 buses) carry 93,700 daily riders, with connections to the A, B/D, 1, 2/5, 4, and 6 subways, and Metro North Harlem, Hudson, & New Haven Lines. In 2008, NYC DOT and MTA launched the first Select Bus Service (SBS) route on the Bx12, which included curbside bus lanes and off board fare payment. Between 2008 and 2014, Bx12 bus speeds and ridership increased. In recent years, bus speeds have declined, which has led to long, unreliable commutes and declining ridership. NYC DOT will evaluate a range of potential design improvements to improve bus speeds and reliability, while also improving curb management and traffic safety. Fordham Road, Inwood Bus Priority - presented to Fordham Road Community Advisory Board in May 2023 Fordham Road, Inwood Bus Priority - presented to Fordham Road Community Advisory Board in March 2022181st Street Busway, Manhattan – Better Buses Restart
NYC DOT studied and installed a busway on 181st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. Buses, commercial trucks, and local access for private vehicles is permitted. By limiting through traffic, the busway improves bus speeds and reliability. It also improves curb management, enhancing access to local businesses and services. 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to 181st Street Busway Community Advisory Board in June 2022 (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 12 in February 2022 (pdf) Bus Lane Camera Violations along 181st Street Busway 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Camera Enforcement Flyer (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Camera Enforcement Flyer (Spanish pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Pilot Brochure (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Pilot Brochure (Spanish pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Fact Sheet (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - Fact Sheet (Spanish pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - What's Happening Here Flyer (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - What's Happening Here Flyer (Spanish pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 12 in February 2021 (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to 181st Street Busway Community Advisory Board in January 2021 (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 12 in November 2020 (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to 181st Street Busway Community Advisory Board in July 2020 (pdf) 181st Street Busway – Better Buses Restart - presented to 181st Street Busway Community Advisory Board in September 2020 (pdf) Submit comments or questions about the 181st Street Busway
Jamaica Avenue Busway & Archer Avenue Busway, Queens – Better Buses Restart
NYC DOT studied and implemented comprehensive bus improvements on Jamaica Avenue, Archer Avenue, and Merrick Boulevard to increase bus reliability in Queens. Solutions included a busway on Jamaica Avenue, offset bus lanes on Merrick Boulevard, and improved bus stop operations on Archer Avenue. This proposal aimed to improve bus performance while also improving pedestrian circulation in Downtown Jamaica. Jamaica Avenue Busway & Archer Avenue Busway – Better Buses Restart - Pilot Brochure (pdf) Jamaica Avenue Busway & Archer Avenue Busway – Better Buses Restart - Pilot Brochure (Bengali pdf) Jamaica Avenue Busway & Archer Avenue Busway – Better Buses Restart - Pilot Brochure (Spanish pdf) Jamaica Avenue & Archer Avenue Bus Improvements – Better Buses Restart - What's Happening Here Flyer (pdf) Jamaica Avenue & Archer Avenue Bus Improvements – Better Buses Restart - presented to Jamaica Community Advisory Board in August 2021 (pdf) Jamaica Avenue & Archer Avenue Bus Improvements – Better Buses Restart - presented at Public Open Houses in August 2021 (pdf) Jamaica Avenue & Archer Avenue Bus Improvements – Better Buses Restart - presented to Jamaica Community Advisory Board in July 2021 (pdf) Jamaica Avenue & Archer Avenue Bus Improvements – Better Buses Restart - presented to Jamaica Community Advisory Board in July 2020 (pdf) Submit comments or questions about the Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue Bus Improvements
Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street, Manhattan – Better Buses Restart
As part of the Better Buses Restart program, NYC DOT is installing a southbound protected bike lane and extended pedestrian space on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan from 57th Street to 34th Street. The goal of this Complete Street project is to implement safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, and to improve bus speeds and reliability for over 40 local and express bus routes extending across all five boroughs and serving over 110,000 daily riders. Implementation of the protected bike lane and other street improvements is scheduled to begin late summer and fall. NYC DOT will continue to monitor the corridor and evaluate traffic restrictions on 5th Avenue as part of the project. Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 5 in August 2021 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Busway & Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Community Advisory Board #5 in August 2021 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 59th Street to East 34th Street Safety Improvements - What's Happening Here Flyer (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Community Advisory Board #4 in July 2021 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Community Advisory Board #3 in June 2021 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 5 in June 2021 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Complete Street – Better Buses Restart - presented to Manhattan Community Board 5 in August 2020 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Busway Pilot – Better Buses Restart - presented to Fifth Avenue Busway Community Advisory Board #2 in July 2020 (pdf) Fifth Avenue, East 57th Street to East 34th Street Busway Pilot – Better Buses Restart - presented to Fifth Avenue Busway Community Advisory Board #1 in July 2020 (pdf)
University Avenue, Washington Bridge to Kingsbridge Road, Bronx
NYC DOT is proposing bus, bike, and pedestrian improvements along University Avenue. The corridor ranks high as a bus priority corridor because of its high ridership and high volume of buses, slow and unreliable bus service, and its role as an important cross-borough connection. The project is being phased into two segments: north of Tremont Avenue and south of Tremont Avenue. University Avenue, Washington Bridge to Tremont Avenue - What's Happening Here Flyer in English, Spanish (pdf) University Avenue North Bus & Bike Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 5 Municipal Services Committee in October 2021 (pdf) University Avenue North Bus & Bike Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 7 Transportation Committee in October 2021 (pdf) 2020 Bus Priority Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 5 Municipal Services Committee in December 2019 (pdf) University Avenue Transit, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Improvements - presented to Bronx Community Board 5 in September 2020 (pdf)