Bus Lane Camera Use In Nyc: A Decade-Long Practice

New York City has been using bus lane cameras since 2019. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the activation of Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) on 14 bus routes across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Formerly known as Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE), the ACE program captures vehicles violating bus lanes in real-time. The ABLE cameras have also been credited with speeding up buses in congested areas and reducing collisions.

Bus lane cameras improve bus speeds and reduce collisions

Bus lane cameras have been in use in New York City since October 2019. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has been using these cameras to enforce the rules of bus lanes, such as no driving, standing, or parking in these lanes unless certain conditions are met. The MTA has recently expanded its use of bus lane cameras to include violations such as double parking and illegal parking at bus stops.

The MTA's use of bus lane cameras has led to improved bus speeds and reduced collisions. On average, bus lane speeds have increased by 5%, and collisions have decreased by 20%. The cameras have also helped to reduce harmful emissions by 5% to 10%. The MTA's data shows that only 9% of drivers commit another bus lane violation after being fined, indicating that the cameras are effective in changing driver behaviour.

The benefits of bus lane cameras were highlighted by New York City Transit Interim President Demetrius Crichlow, who stated that the cameras are "key to getting buses running faster and safer for the riders who rely on them". MTA CEO and Chairman Janno Lieber also emphasised the importance of clear bus lanes, stating that the MTA is "doing everything [they] can to assist DOT to try to get more miles" out of the bus lanes.

The MTA's bus lane camera program, formerly known as Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE), has been expanded to 14 bus routes across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. These routes include the B44 SBS, B46 SBS, Bx12 SBS, and M14 SBS. The MTA plans to have 1,023 buses equipped with ABLE cameras across 33 routes by the end of 2024.

The ABLE camera systems capture license plate information, photos, and videos, along with location and timestamp data. This information is transmitted to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for review and processing. The program is administered in partnership with the NYCDOT and the New York City Department of Finance (DOF).

Cameras are located at certain bus lane locations

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has implemented Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) on several bus routes across New York City. The ACE program, formerly known as Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE), captures vehicles violating bus lane rules, double-parking rules, and bus stop rules in real-time using cameras installed on buses.

The ACE program currently covers 14 routes and 623 buses, with plans to expand to 1,023 buses across 33 routes by the end of 2024. The routes include:

• B44 SBS
• B46 SBS
• Bx12 SBS
• Bx19
• B62
• Bx41 SBS
• Bx36
• M14 SBS
• M15 SBS
• M23 SBS
• M34 SBS
• Q44 SBS
• Q54
• Q58

The ABLE camera system, a component of the ACE program, is also in use. These cameras are installed on buses and capture license plate information, photos, and videos, along with location and timestamp data. This information is transmitted to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for review and processing. The ABLE cameras have been effective in influencing driver behaviour and improving bus speeds.

The NYCDOT issues warning notices to motorists for the first 60 days of ABLE camera implementation, as required by New York State law. After this period, fines for bus lane violations start at $50 for the first offence and increase by $50 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period, up to a maximum of $250 per ticket.

Motorists may drive in a bus lane in specific scenarios

New York City has been using bus lane cameras since at least June 2024, when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the activation of the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program. This program captures vehicles violating bus lane rules, double parking, and bus stop rules in real time.

Motorists are generally prohibited from driving in a designated bus lane during applicable hours. However, there are specific scenarios in which motorists are permitted to do so:

• Turning Right at the Nearest Intersection: Motorists may drive in a bus lane if they are about to make a right turn at the nearest intersection.
• Entering a Driveway: Similarly, if a motorist needs to enter a driveway, they are allowed to drive in the bus lane temporarily.
• Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers: Motorists are permitted to stop briefly at the curbside to expeditiously pick up or drop off passengers.
• Accessing a Legal Parking Space: If a motorist needs to access a legal parking space next to the bus lane, they are allowed to drive in the bus lane to reach it.

It's important to note that these exceptions may vary depending on the specific location and local regulations. Motorists should always be mindful of the applicable rules and signage to avoid violating bus lane restrictions and receiving fines or penalties.

Bus lane violations can be disputed

New York City has been using bus lane cameras since at least 2018. The city enforces its bus lane regulations through a combination of bus lane cameras and police enforcement. If a vehicle has more than one bus lane restriction violation captured by a street-mounted camera within a 12-month period, the fines can range from $50 for the first offense to $250 for each additional offense.

• Evidence showing that conditions on the roadway prevented you from making an immediate right turn, or that it was not safe or legal to do so.
• The conditions on the roadway left you with no choice but to enter and remain in the bus lane.
• Compliance with the instructions of law enforcement personnel.
• Evidence of a sudden mechanical breakdown or unexpected medical emergency that required parking in the bus lane.
• Evidence of a temporary stop to quickly pick up or drop off passengers at the curbside.

It is important to note that if you pay the ticket, you are admitting to violating the law, and all penalties will be imposed. Therefore, it is recommended to seek legal assistance from a New York traffic ticket attorney to explore your options for disputing the violation and protecting your driving record.

Bus lane camera violations incur fines

Bus lane camera enforcement has been expanded to include new violations in New York City. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced the activation of the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program on 14 bus routes across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. This program captures vehicles violating bus lane rules, double-parking rules, and bus stop rules in real-time.

Bus lane camera violations are enforced through street-mounted cameras located at certain bus lane locations. If a vehicle violates the bus lane rules, the camera will capture a photo and video of the vehicle, and a summons will be sent to the owner. As of August 19, 2024, if a vehicle has more than one bus lane restriction violation captured by a street-mounted camera within a 12-month period, the driver will be fined according to a tiered structure: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, $150 for the third, $200 for the fourth, and $250 for each additional offense thereafter. These fines are mandated by VTL Section 1111-c(e) and Title 19 Section 39-18(a) of the Rules of the City of New York.

It is important to note that motorists are generally prohibited from driving in designated bus lanes during applicable hours. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Motorists may enter a bus lane if they are about to turn right at the nearest intersection, attempting to access a driveway, or temporarily stopping to pick up or drop off a passenger at the curbside. Additionally, motorists may use the bus lane if they are accessing a legal parking space next to the bus lane.

The ACE program has been effective in improving bus lane speeds, reducing collisions, and decreasing emissions. The implementation of this technology ensures that buses can move more efficiently, benefiting commuters and the overall economy.

Motorists should be aware of the bus lane rules and regulations to avoid fines and contribute to the smooth flow of traffic in New York City.

Frequently asked questions