Photo: MTA
New York expands camera network to protect bus lanes
21 June 2024
by Christopher Carey
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced the expansion of its enforcement programme to prevent double parking and other violations in bus lanes across the city.
Formerly known as Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE), the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) programme is being expanded to capture vehicles violating double parking and bus stop/lane rules in real-time, with cameras fitted on buses across 14 routes.
“It’s pretty hot out here but for the people blocking our bus lanes, it’s about to get hotter,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro.
“Automated camera enforcement – which expands our enforcement authority from bus lanes to include bus stops and double-parking violations – is a real game changer.”
Effectiveness
When enforcement cameras are activated, bus lane speeds increase by an average of five percent, along with a 20 percent reduction in collisions and a 5-10 percent reduction in emissions, according to the MTA.
Once captured by the cameras, data on licence plates, locations and time stamp information is transmitted to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for review and processing.
Those violating the rules will be issued a warning letter for the first 60 days of operations after which they will be fined, with penalties ranging from US$50-$250.
Since 2019, NYCDOT has issued of 438,660 notices of violations, and the department says just nine percent of drivers commit another bus lane violation after being fined.
In total, 623 buses on 14 routes are now equipped with the technology, which will rise to 1,023 buses across 33 routes by the end of 2024.
“Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring all of our customers can safely get on and off the bus,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo.
“I know first-hand 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 and look forward to clearer bus stops and faster trips.”
Image: MTA
