May 22, 2025
New York City commuters, get ready for faster, more reliable bus service! The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is making big moves to improve public transit in Manhattan, proposing a new busway for 34th Street and extending the successful bus lanes on Madison Avenue.

These initiatives aim to significantly reduce bus travel times, offering a smoother and quicker journey for thousands of daily riders on the M34/A Select Bus Service, express routes, and other vital bus lines.

34th Street Busway: Building on 14th Street's Success

The proposed 34th Street busway, stretching from Ninth Avenue to Third Avenue, is modeled after the highly successful 14th Street bus lanes. This proven design has already delivered impressive results:

• Up to 24% increase in bus speeds
• 42% drop in crashes
• Virtually eliminated traffic congestion

NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasizes the need for world-class transit, stating, "The vast majority of commuters in Midtown are traveling by transit and they deserve world-class, fast and reliable buses." He expressed excitement about replicating the 14th Street success on 34th Street, a proposal that has already garnered support from all three local community boards.

Similar to 14th Street, the 34th Street busway will prioritize buses and trucks while maintaining local access for essential pick-ups, drop-offs, and loading. Vehicles will be required to turn off the busway at specific intersections to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent violations.

Beyond speeding up buses, the 34th Street busway will also:

• Free up valuable curb space for deliveries
• Enhance pedestrian safety with painted curb extensions and improved visibility at intersections.

This will be New York City's eighth busway and the seventh implemented since 2019, showcasing a clear commitment to transforming urban mobility.

Madison Avenue Bus Lanes: Speeding Up a Critical Corridor

In addition to the 34th Street busway, NYC DOT is also proposing to extend the northbound double bus lanes on Madison Avenue from 42nd Street down to 23rd Street. This expansion will significantly benefit the 92,000 daily bus riders across 34 bus routes, including vital local and express services. 

34th St. Manhattan, NY

Madison Avenue is a prime example of bus efficiency, with buses carrying the majority of people during rush hours despite occupying only a quarter of the roadway space. Extending these lanes builds on the success seen on Fifth Avenue, where similar implementations led to:

• 6-12% increase in speeds on local routes
• 11-20% increase in speeds on express routes

Furthermore, the corridor is seeing an expansion of automated camera enforcement on M2 and M4 buses, ensuring consistent and efficient service.

What's Next for NYC's Bus Network?

NYC DOT is actively reviewing community feedback on both proposals before moving forward with implementation. These ambitious projects underscore the city's dedication to creating a more efficient, safer, and user-friendly public transportation system.

Stay tuned for updates on these exciting developments that promise to redefine the commuting experience for thousands of New Yorkers!