Fines for drivers who block bus lanes in NYC – NBC New York (47)

NEW YORK – Drivers who block New York City bus lanes with their vehicles will be automatically fined starting Monday, August 19, as part of a new ticketing campaign to keep bus lanes clear.

The MTA is cracking down on a new automated camera enforcement system, or ACE, that uses cameras mounted on buses to capture real-time data on violations. That information is collected and sent back to the MTA.

If cameras catch a vehicle blocking a bus lane, bus stop, or even double parking, the driver can expect to receive a ticket in the mail.

“If you’re double parking on our lanes, blocking our buses, or parking on our bus lanes, you’re now going to get a ticket,” said Frank Annicaro, senior vice president -bus seats for New York City Transit.

The phased fines program follows a broad warning period, during which drivers spotted in the bus queue were notified by post.

Fines start at $50, but can go up to $250 for repeat offenders.

“Now drivers will no longer receive warnings,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez said last week. “The only way to avoid it [una multa] “At least they stay out of the bus line. “

The MTA’s goal is simple: keep traffic flowing and make life easier for bus riders. The agency said lanes with bus-enabled cameras saw a 5% increase in speed and a 20% decrease in crashes.

Based on its metrics, the MTA said less than 10% of ticketed drivers commit another bus lane violation.

Ticket cameras are equipped with more than 600 buses on 14 of the MTA bus routes.