URGENT UPDATE: New York City’s buses are set to get a significant boost as officials confirm the extension of dedicated bus lanes along Madison Avenue, impacting nearly 92,000 daily riders. This crucial announcement was made on Sunday by transportation authorities, marking a pivotal step in Mayor Zohran Mamdani‘s initiative to enhance public transit efficiency.
Transportation officials revealed plans to extend double bus lanes from 42nd Street south to 23rd Street by the end of the year. This redesign aims to alleviate congestion on one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors, where buses currently average a sluggish 4.5 miles per hour—less than half the citywide average of 8.1 miles per hour.
Mike Flynn, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, emphasized the urgency of the redesign, stating, “Madison Avenue is one of the most important bus corridors in the city, yet tens of thousands of riders are crawling along at walking speed.” The new layout will allocate two lanes exclusively for buses while allowing one lane for general traffic and a second for alternating parking and travel during peak hours.
This redesign will reflect actual commuter behavior, as 55% of travelers on this stretch utilize the bus service. With the implementation of the new lanes, officials expect to build on recent improvements in bus speeds within the congestion pricing zone, which have already shown slight increases.
“As a complement to what we have already started in Albany and at City Hall in terms of congestion pricing, it couldn’t be a more perfect marriage,” said Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, during Sunday’s announcement in Madison Square Park.
The project, initially proposed in 2025, was delayed during the final year of former Mayor Eric Adams‘ administration due to missed scheduling for lane painting. However, Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson confirmed the Mamdani administration’s commitment to restarting the initiative, much to the relief of transportation advocates.
Transportation advocates have praised the revival of the project, citing successful examples from nearby Fifth Avenue, where local bus speeds increased by up to 12% and express buses saw improvements of up to 20% after the introduction of double bus lanes.
“Buses are the silent backbone of this city,” stated Betsy Plum, executive director of Riders Alliance. “We are excited to see faster buses that give riders back their time.”
The upcoming changes to Madison Avenue are part of a broader strategy to enhance public transport across New York City, directly impacting the daily lives of thousands. As the city gears up for this transformation, all eyes will be on the timeline for completion and the subsequent improvements in bus travel times.
Stay tuned for further updates as this vital project unfolds, ensuring that New Yorkers can rely on faster, more efficient bus services in the near future.
