What's happening
This bill allows vehicles to use designated bus lanes in mixed residential and commercial zones outside of rush hour, under certain conditions.
Why it matters
Increases flexibility for drivers. By allowing vehicles to use bus lanes outside of rush hour (with conditions), drivers may see reduced travel times and less congestion on certain streets, which could improve daily commutes in mixed-use neighborhoods.
Maintains bus service efficiency during peak times. The bill still protects bus-only access during defined rush hours or other peak service times, helping to ensure that public transportation remains a reliable and attractive option when demand is highest.
Adds specific conditions to prevent bus lane misuse. Vehicles must maintain a minimum 250-foot distance ahead of any bus and must exit the bus lane promptly, reducing the chance of obstructing buses and preserving the primary purpose of bus lanes.
Empowers local transit authorities. By allowing local transit authorities to define when peak bus service occurs, the legislation accounts for variations in transit patterns across different neighborhoods or transit systems, potentially making the law more responsive to local needs.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow Cars in Bus Lanes
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
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 Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor N. Nick Perry
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1631
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 10, 2017
Introduced by Sen. GOLDEN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed 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.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to permitting travel in designated bus lanes under certain conditions
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow vehicles to drive in dedicated bus lanes provided certain requirements are met.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill adds a new section 1116-a to the vehicle and traffic law to allow vehicles to drive in dedicated bus lanes in mixed residential and commercial areas when it is not rush hour, provided that the vehicle is at least two hundred and fifty feet in front of a bus and promptly leaves the designated bus lane.
Section 2 of the bill provides that this act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
Existing law
None.
Justification
While the implementation of dedicated bus lanes has successfully improved public transportation during times of high traffic congestion, bus lanes lose their functionality after peak hours, especially in mixed residential and commercial areas. Although bus lanes are less necessary after peak hours, vehicles that attempt to use them will face tickets and high fines. This legislation allows for bus lanes to continue serving their purpose while removing the unnecessary burden of traffic infractions during off peak hours.
Prior legislative history
2016: S.7502 - 3rd Reading Calendar
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.