MTA: Automated camera enforcement of bus stops, lanes to trigger fines of $50-$250

Don't block the bus.

That's the message the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is sending New Yorkers this week, announcing that warnings are over, automated enforcement is beginning — and anyone caught blocking a bus stop or bus lane or double-parking will face a $50 fine.

And, the MTA said, those fines could reach as high as $250 for repeat offenders.

Enforcement begins Monday, the MTA said.

On 14 MTA bus routes there will be automated camera enforcement (ACE) with the agency announcing that 623 buses on those routes are equipped with such equipment. ACE enforcement begins with four of the five boroughs, as Staten Island will be added later this year, the MTA said.

"Time is up for folks who are inconveniencing bus passengers by blocking buses and bus stops," New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro said in a statement. "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."

"New Yorkers deserve buses that can keep up with the hustle and grind at the heart of this city," the city's transportation commissioner, Ydanis Rodriguez, said. "We know automated enforcement changes driver behavior, with more than 80% of bus lane blockers never receiving more than one ticket. The warning period is over, now it's time for faster and safer bus routes across the five boroughs."

Drivers caught violating the law will receive summonses in the mail, officials said.

When enforcement cameras are activated, bus lane speeds increase 5% on average, with a 20% reduction in collisions and a 5-10% estimated reduction in emissions, officials said.

Just 9% of drivers who commit a bus lane violation commit another after being fined.

The MTA also said that enforcing bus lane and bus stop rules helps ensure buses can pull to the curb and allow passengers to safely board and exit. It especially helps those using wheelchairs or mobility devices and those pushing carriages, strollers and carts, the agency said.

Since 2019, the New York City Department of Transportation has issued 438,660 bus lane-related violations, the MTA said. 

By the end of 2024, it plans to have 1,023 ACE-equipped buses across 33 routes.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”