Out Of Focus: MTA Slow-Walking Bike Lane Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement - Streetsblog New York City

"Almost two years after the MTA announced it would begin a pilot program using its on-board bus cameras to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, the pilot still hasn't surfaced - and it's unclear if the agency has any plans to make it happen. The state in 2023 expanded the MTA's ability to use its bus-mounted cameras to ticket drivers outside of bus lanes - double parked on bus routes, parked in bus stops and even blocking bike lanes."

"Transit officials haven't said a peep about the idea since, even as they've rolled out bus-mounted enforcement cameras to over 40 bus routes since June 2024. The ACE program has proven to be a success, speeding up buses by 5 percent overall and up to 25 percent on some routes, as well as revealing persistent issues that slow down buses on key corridors."

"A frustrated DOT, which manages the program with the MTA, told Streetsblog the agency is ready to clear bike lanes with the same efficacy that the cameras clear bus lanes. "The city is ready and willing to partner on this pilot and NYC DOT is excited for its launch," said DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone. The MTA is not so eager."

"Reached for comment, an MTA spokesperson implied the agency's focus is on expanding the reach of ACE cameras to more streets. "The MTA and DOT have been working together to deliver this program at an aggressive pace, with 15 more bus lane corridors anticipated to go live by the end of the year," MTA rep Aaron Donovan told Streetsblog. "As that proceeds, we look forward to working together to begin a pilot program to apply ACE to bike lanes.""

Almost two years after the MTA said it would pilot bus-mounted cameras to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, the pilot has not launched and plans remain unclear. The state expanded MTA authority in 2023 to ticket drivers outside bus lanes, including double parking, stopping in bus stops, and blocking bike lanes. Transit officials rolled out enforcement cameras on over 40 bus routes since June 2024. The ACE program has sped buses by about 5 percent overall and up to 25 percent on some routes. NYC DOT says it is ready to partner on a bike lane pilot; the MTA emphasizes expanding ACE to more corridors first.

Read at Streetsblog