LESIGLATIVE MEMO
PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY
New York, New York
May 10, 2010
Support for: A. 10201/S. 7735 – BRT Lane Enforcement in NYC
The Partnership for New York City represents international business leaders and major employers who are dedicated to working with government, labor and the not-for-profit sectors to strengthen the economy of New York City and State.
In June 2008, New York City Transit started Select Bus Service (SBS) in the Bronx, becoming the city’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. By providing dedicated lanes, off-bus payment, retimed traffic lights and a Transit Signal Priority system, it has increased the speed and performance on the bus route significantly, reducing travel times by 19% and carrying 32% more weekday riders than the old regular bus service. New York City Transit plans to build on the success of the SBS route and expand this service to four other corridors citywide. Increased ridership along these corridors would help New York City meet its mobility, environmental, and public health goals. However, enforcement in dedicated bus lanes is a significant problem that reduces the benefits of the SBS system.
A. 10201/S. 7735 addresses this problem by allowing for bus lane photo devices to be used on up to 50 miles of the SBS and future dedicated BRT lanes throughout New York City. The purpose is to discourage cars from obstructing bus traffic, leading to a freer flow of traffic and a more efficient and reliable bus system. Without appropriate enforcement, dedicated bus lanes will be used for parking and will quickly become another route for the vehicle traffic already clogging our streets. Other world cities such as London have used bus lane photo devices to improve system performance and reliability, thereby helping to attract more riders. This legislation would accomplish this goal and help to insure the success of the city’s BRT initiatives.
The Partnership for New York City respectfully urges the Legislature to support this piece of legislation. Thank you for your consideration.