NEW YORK—Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer launched his DON’T BLOCK THE BUS campaign Sunday at the intersection of Madison Avenue and 42nd Street.
Recently an on-the-ground survey showed that there were 350 rush-hour blockages in midtown without tickets being issued.
In order to combat these traffic blockers Stringer began a campaign with the everyday bus rider in mind, “[The] DON’T BLOCK THE BUS campaign [will include] the installation of bus cameras. The cameras that catch drivers running traffic lights have made drivers more aware of the need to obey the law.”
Assembly Member Jonathan L. Bing is joining Stringer to help with the issue of the blocked bus lanes, “Congestion has caused problems from commuters, businesses, and all individuals that rely on mass transit in this area. I have introduced legislation in the Assembly [that] would authorize the use of bus cameras to ensure our mass transit is efficient and traffic violators are punished.”
The longest traffic blocks were 15 minutes or more, with the average blockage on 42nd Street and Madison Avenue being about four and a half minutes long, which proves a significant handicap for cross-town buses to run on time.
Blockages occur in the bus lanes, which are strictly for buses at certain times of the day, but are often occupied by everything but buses.
“Tens of thousands of bus passengers are delayed by cars and trucks parked in what should be reserved lanes. [If no offenders are issued tickets] what’s the point of having these regulations if they are never enforced?” said Stringer when talking about the lax traffic law enforcement.
