MTA To Begin Automated Ticketing Of Drivers In Bus Lanes Aug. 19

NEW YORK CITY — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Thursday that beginning next week they will start issuing fines for vehicles blocking bus stops or double-parking, and drivers will no longer get a warning.

Drivers will receive summonses in the mail starting at $50 and scaling up to $250 for repeat violators beginning Aug. 19, officials said.

The Department of Transportation previously announced that for the first 60 days, drivers would receive warning notices following the activation of Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE)

When enforcement cameras are activated, on average, routes see bus lane speeds increased by 5%, a 20% reduction in collisions, and a 5% to 10% estimated reduction in emissions, officials said. Only 9% of drivers commit another bus lane violation after being fined.

“Time is up for folks who are inconveniencing bus passengers by blocking buses and bus stops,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Now that Automated Camera Enforcement has been activated, we will hold drivers accountable for blocking bus lanes, double-parking in bus paths, and blocking bus stops.”

Preventing vehicles from parking in bus stops helps ensure buses can pull to the curb, allowing all customers to safely exit and board the bus, including those using wheelchairs, mobility devices and those pushing strollers or carts, officials said.

All 623 buses on the 14 routes that currently feature lane enforcement technology on bus lanes have now upgraded capability to enforce bus stops and double-parked locations.

Officials hope that the fines will discourage drivers and improve commute times for customers.

"Automated camera enforcement shows bus riders the respect we deserve," said Riders Alliance Senior Organizer Jolyse Race. "Drivers who double park and block bus stops rob riders of countless hours, especially in Manhattan, home to the city's slowest buses. Slow bus service wastes $300 million dollars each year, raising the cost of living in New York City, which bus riders struggle to afford."

Each corridor with active ACE camera enforcement has signage indicating that those routes are camera-enforced.