NYC launches $882 million plan to speed up buses, boost ridership

New York City is embarking on a significant initiative to revitalize its bus system, aiming to make it faster, more accessible, and comfortable for residents. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the "Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service" program, a historic partnership between the New York City Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The plan addresses the city's bus system being the busiest in the nation but also the slowest, with an average speed of only 8 miles per hour. The initiative will invest $254 million in operating expenses and $628 million in capital investments over the next five fiscal years. The goal is to improve the quality of life, especially for the working class, by making commutes to work, school, and home more efficient.

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New Yorkers deserve a transit system that respects their time. This plan will make it easier to get to work, school, and home and build a city that works better for those who keep it running.

"New Yorkers deserve a transit system that respects their time," stated Mayor Mamdani. Governor Hochul echoed this sentiment, describing the effort as a "renaissance of public transportation" with historic investments. She emphasized the plan's ambition to increase bus speeds, expand bus priority measures, reduce delays, and make the system a global benchmark.

The program identifies 50 priority bus corridors across the five boroughs needing improvements. The initial phase will focus on the slowest routes with the highest rates of delays. Enhancements will include creating more dedicated bus lanes, improving traffic signal priority, ensuring frequent all-day service, modernizing stations with covered waiting areas, and upgrading public spaces. These improvements are expected to significantly reduce travel times and enhance the overall rider experience.

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New York is experiencing a renaissance of public transportation with historic investments. We are advancing a bold and ambitious plan to make buses run faster, dramatically expand bus priority, reduce delays, and make our system the envy of the world.