What's happening
This bill allows vehicles to use designated bus lanes in mixed-use zones outside of rush hour if they stay at least 250 feet ahead of buses and promptly exit.
Why it matters
Eases travel for drivers in mixed-use zones. By allowing non-bus vehicles to use bus lanes outside of rush hour (if staying at least 250 feet ahead of buses), the bill could reduce congestion and make it easier for drivers to navigate busy streets when demand for bus lanes is lower.
Prioritizes bus movement even during off-peak hours. The requirement that vehicles promptly exit the bus lane if a bus approaches ensures that public transit is still prioritized and buses remain mostly unimpeded, balancing commuter convenience with public transportation efficiency.
Creates flexibility for local transit authorities. By letting local authorities define their own "rush hour" periods based on peak service, the bill adapts to different neighborhoods’ needs and transit patterns, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all rule.
May affect enforcement and signage. Local governments and law enforcement will need to adjust how they monitor, signpost, and enforce bus lane rules, potentially requiring new public education efforts and updates to traffic management systems.
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Allow Cars in Bus Lanes
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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Allow Cars in Bus Lanes
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Martin J. Golden
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
902
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 9, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. PERRY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to permitting travel in designated bus lanes under certain conditions
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1116-a to read as follows:
§ 1116-a. Travel in designated bus lanes. 1. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, when designated bus lane restrictions are in effect on a street in a mixed residential and commercial zone, except during rush hour, it shall not be a violation of law for a vehicle to drive in such designated bus lane provided such vehicle is at a distance of not less than two hundred fifty feet in front and ahead of a bus in the designated bus lane and the driver of the vehicle promptly exits the bus lane, thereby leaving the designated bus lane free and clear for the bus.
2. For purposes of this section, "rush hour" shall mean the hours of six a.m. through ten a.m. Monday through Friday and four p.m. through seven p.m. Monday through Friday or the period, as designated by the local transit authority, when bus service provided is at its peak levels.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05071-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.