On November 22, 2010 camera enforcement began for the 1st and 2nd avenue bus lanes. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) anticipate the bus lane camera enforcement will expedite travel for an estimated 54,000 daily riders of the M15.

The objective of the bus lane cameras is to speed transit by deterring unauthorized use of the bus lanes. Vehicles are permitted to enter the bus lane in order to make the next available right turn. Vehicles may also enter the bus lane to quickly drop off or pick up passengers. Unauthorized use of the bus lanes will be subject to a $115 fine.

There are five active cameras along 1st and 2nd avenues. Additional cameras will be installed in the upcoming months. The NYC DOT will view the camera footage and issue a $115 Notice of Liability to the owner’s of vehicles improperly traveling in the bus lanes.

The DOT has already planned to install cameras on 34th street in Manhattan and on Fordham Road in the Bronx in 2011. Currently, the NYC DOT uses cameras on 34th street, Lexington Avenue, and Broadway to monitor taxi drivers who disobey bus lane rules. Taxi medallion owners are issued summons which are adjudicated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Labels: bus lane, passenger safety, traffic cameras, traffic violation