Establishes in N.Y. city a bus rapid transit and bus mobility demonstration program to enforce certain restrictions

Justification

The New York City Department of Transportation, in coor- dination with the MTA New York City Transit Authority, is implementing a Bus Lane Demonstration Program. In order to enhance the speed and reli- ability of the City's buses, it is imperative that designated bus lanes remain free of parked and moving vehicles, trucks loading and unloading, and other unauthorized motor vehicles. These options are necessary given the 53% rise in bus ridership in the City over the past 30 years and the subsequent reduction in bus speeds due to increased traffic. More than 20 bus lines average less than 10 mph during midday. Unreli- ability is also a major concern, with many bus lines experience problems due to bus bunching, gaps between service and buses running significant- ly off-schedule. Each year the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign awards the "Pokey" to the slowest local bus route in New York City. The award is given based on actual rides taken by Straphangers staff and volunteers, In 2009 the slowest bus was the M42, with a travel time of 3.7 miles per hour. Given that the average walking speed for an adult is around 3 miles per hour, riders are not much better off paying $2.25 for a cross- town trip. Bus lanes are meant to speed buses through traffic congestion. Bus riders deserve the assurance that their $2.25 fare will buy them a trip that is faster than walking,

To ensure the success of the Bus Lane Demonstration Program, it is imperative that the designated bus lanes remain free of unauthorized motor vehicles. This legislation will enhance the enforcement efforts of the New York City Police Department, as the program operates in much the same manner as the City's Red Light Camera Program, which has success- fully reduced the incidence of red light violations. Technology will be used to capture photos or videos of vehicles that are in violation of the City's rules regarding bus lane restrictions, which specifically preclude motor vehicles from standing, parking or driving within a bus lane. The images taken will then be used as evidence in a proceeding to

impose liability on the owner of the vehicle. The equipment may consist of fixed-location units, mobile units which can be moved around to vari- ous locations, and/or units mounted on the buses themselves. However, the use of bus lane photo devices will be limited to cover no more than 50 miles of bus lanes and operate only on weekdays from 7;00 am to 7:00 pm. The violation will be treated as the equivalent of a parking ticket; therefore, no points will be assessed against the driver.

This will, in turn, attract new ridership, helping to meet the City's mobility, environmental, and public health goals.

Prior legislative history

2009: A.862-C Referred to Transportation/S.2709-D Referred to Transportation. 2008: A.10233-B Referred to Transportation/S.7229-B Referred to Rules.

Fiscal implications for state & local governments

Unknown.

Effective date

This act would take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire 7 years after such effective date when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed; and provided that any rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such date;