Removes Hylan Boulevard from Bus Rapid Transit Phase I for purposes of video monitoring of restricted bus lanes and owner liability for violations of such restrictions

BILL NUMBER:S7161

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to removing Hylan Boulevard from Bus Rapid Transit Phase I for purposes of owner liability for failure to comply with bus lane restrictions

Purpose

Removes Hylan Boulevard from Bus Rapid Transit Phase I for purposes of owner liability for failure to comply with bus lane restrictions.

Summary of provisions

Section one amends paragraph 4 of subdivision c of section 111-c of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by section 9 of part II of chapter 59 of the laws of 2010.

Justification

This legislation will eliminate the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route that operates along the Hylan Boulevard/Richmond Avenue corridor. The Phase 1 BRT component has been a failure in Staten Island, and has been plagued with numerous issues from its start. By designating a bus-only lane, a vital lane for vehicles has been eliminated at the precise time it is needed most, when residents are traveling to and from work and school. Although the initial BRT plan involved community discussions, residents and business owners have repeatedly highlighted the negative effect BRT has had on this community.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately , provided that the amendment to paragraph 4 of subdivision (c) of section 1111-c of the vehicle and traffic law, made by section one of this act, shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall be deemed repealed therewith.