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If you’re not a bus, get out of the bus lane–NYC just unveiled a new program that will automatically ticket drivers who block NYC bus stops.
The program is an expansion of an existing pilot program formerly known as Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) that attached cameras to 600 NYC buses on 14 different routes across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The cameras automatically ticketed drivers illegally blocking bus lanes.
With new technology the expanded program, dubbed ACE, will ticket drivers double parked or illegally parked at all bus stops in addition to just those with separate bus lanes.
Source / MTA
Once captured by the cameras, your license plate number, location, and a time stamp will be sent to the NYC DOT for review and processing. 438,660 notices of violations have been issued since 2019.
According to the MTA, when enforcement cameras are activated routes see bus lane speeds increased by 5%, a 20% reduction in collisions, and a 5-10% estimated reduction in emissions. And typically those who receive a fine aren’t repeat offenders–in fact, only 9% of drivers commit another bus lane violation after being fined.
If your vehicle is photographed driving, parking, or standing in a bus lane, you’ll be sent a Notice of Liability (NOL) within about 30 days.
Source / MTA
Fines for violations within a 12-month period are as follows:
First offense: $50
Second offense: $100
Third offense: $150
Fourth offense: $200
Each subsequent offense: $250
MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo stated:
Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring all of our customers can safely get on and off the bus. I know firsthand the frustrating experience of having a vehicle block the bus stop and forcing me to wait for the next one. I am thrilled to be turning on ACE today and look forward to clearer bus stops and faster trips.
Bus routes now enforced with ACE cameras include B44 SBS, B46 SBS, Bx12 SBS, Bx19, B62, Bx41 SBS, Bx36, M14 SBS, M15 SBS, M23 SBS, M34 SBS, Q44 SBS, Q54, and Q58.
Source / MTA
Drivers blocking bus lanes will only receive warnings for the first 60 days after implementing ACE before fines begin being issued.
By the end of this year cameras will be attached to 1,023 MTA buses across 33 different routes.
You can view your bus lane camera violation video, learn how to pay your violation, and learn how to fight your violation here.
