During a recent public information session, NYS Department of Transportation unveiled its analysis showing that carpools with at least 2 passengers (HOV2+) add to bus lane delays and congestion in the Staten Island Expressway bus lanes. The department’s questionable decision to open up the bus lanes to cars had drawn criticism from groups like Tri-State, who argued such a move was illegal and detrimental to improving bus riders’ commutes in the borough.

The Department also found that 54% of the vehicles in the HOV2+ bus lane during the PM peak hour are single occupancy cars. There were fewer, though a significant 34%, violators in the bus lanes during the AM peak.

Due to present construction on the Verrazano, the planned bus lane expansion, and early political pressure, the lane currently allows HOV2+ in what was originally envisioned as a bus-only facility. According to the Department’s new recommendations, once the lane is completed (projection is mid 2013)  through Victory Blvd., the Department will permanently reserve the lane for buses and HOV3+ only. Because of the steady high vehicle volumes on the SIE, the HOV3+ designation will operate 24/7.  According to the Department’s projections, the restricted lane will remain free-flowing, while avoiding the “empty lane syndrome” that fuels calls to open the lane to more vehicle traffic.

Left unanswered was whether it will ultimately be easier to shift to HOV3+ now, rather than in three years when drivers’ expectations and behaviors will be much more entrenched. Given past pressure to allow more traffic into the bus lanes, allowing such a large gap of time will test the Department’s mettle.

Enforcement Remains Biggest Obstacle

The single biggest factor contributing to congestion in the bus lanes is, not surprisingly, lack of enforcement. The DOT has proposed constructing “enforcement areas” – essentially a section of widened median to accommodate a patrol car –  within the separated lanes. Most effective, but not in the Department’s authority to implement, would be camera technology.  Legislation introduced by Senator Lanza and Assemblymember Cusick would allow “the use of enforcement cameras on high occupancy vehicle and bus lanes on the Staten Island Expressway.”  Similar legislation was passed in June to allow such technology to enforce existing bus lanes rules in current and future Select Bus Service corridors in the five boroughs.

The Department will be submitting a final report and application for FHWA approval in the coming months. The application will include sought after legal support for the opening of the lanes to HOVs.