NYC Mayor Mamdani Launches Busway Project on Tremont Avenue for Faster Public Transit

New York City is set to accelerate public transit with the commencement of busway construction on Tremont Avenue and safety enhancements in the Bronx. Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the project, which targets one of the city's slowest bus routes, promising to significantly improve travel times and safety for residents.

The initiative includes the construction of a one-mile busway from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, alongside a shared bus and bike lane between Webster Avenue and Third Avenue. "After years of slow and unreliable service, Tremont Avenue is finally getting the improvements that bus riders have deserved for a long time," Mamdani stated. He emphasized that the project will save time for 39,000 New Yorkers and make the avenue safer and easier to navigate for everyone.

The Bx36 bus route, currently plagued by constant delays and speeds below 5 mph during peak hours, is the primary focus. New traffic regulations will take effect on September 19, 2026, allowing buses, large trucks, emergency vehicles, and bicycles to use the corridor. The Department of Transportation projects that these changes will increase bus speeds by up to 60%. "Public transit service should not be treated as a second-class option at the mercy of traffic congestion. It must be a world-class system for a world-class city: fast, convenient, reliable, and accessible," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.

This project is a key component of "Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service," a plan by Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul to modernize the city's bus system. The plan outlines 50 priority corridors across all five boroughs, backed by a significant investment of $254 million in spending funds and $628 million in capital funds over five fiscal years through a partnership between the DOT and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).