Today NYCDOT, the MTA, and NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission announced the activation of New York City’s first bus lane enforcement camera, at 34th Street between Park and Madison Aves. The camera, the first of three to be installed, will be used to issue summonses to owners of taxis that improperly use the 34th Street bus lanes.

Perhaps most importantly, NYCDOT will also use the cameras to determine patterns of bus lane violation by all vehicles. State legislation is not required to issue summons to taxis, but is needed before bus lane cameras can be used to ticket other vehicles. Last year, legislation that would have given NYC the authority to do this was killed by the Assembly Transportation Committee and its chair, Rochester Assemblyman David Gantt. Data from these cameras could strengthen the already strong case for bus lane camera legislation or provide additional insight on how to reduce bus lane violations through design.

Bus lanes were added to 34th Street last year, and a more dramatic makeover, including a busway physically separated from general traffic, is planned for the future. The street is used by 30 MTA bus routes carrying 31,000 passengers daily.

New Bus Could Make Bronx Bus Rapid Transit Route More Rapid

The Bx12 Select Bus Service, NYC’s first bus rapid transit route, has been an unqualified success. Faster speeds and less time spent at bus stops has translated into higher ridership and a 98% satisfaction rate from riders.

More improvements could be on their way. As reported in the NY Daily News, NYC Transit is testing a 60-foot low-floor bus with three doors. This bus could relieve crowding on many different routes but seems most naturally suited for Select Bus Service, where riders pay at their bus stop and can board buses at any door.

During a Tri-State Campaign symposium last year, NYC Transit president Howard Roberts said that one obstacle to more rapid service was finding a BRT-style bus — with low floors, multiple doors, and plenty of space — that could handle the punishing transit schedules in NYC. It’s good to see that the agency is looking.