Transit officials say they are pushing for legislation that would widen the use of cameras to enforce rules against drivers blocking city buses.
During an appearance on “Mornings On 1” Friday, NYC Transit president Richard Davey said he and other MTA officials will gather in Manhattan to call for the support of new legislation that would expand the use of bus-mounted enforcement cameras.
“There's a piece of legislation pending – which we're advocating for this afternoon – that would allow us to expand that enforcement to include, for example, double-parked cars,” Davey said. “So if there's a double-parked car in the way of a bus that has this camera technology, we can send a ticket.”
The proposal, which was included in the proposed budgets of both Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Senate, would allow bus cameras to issue tickets to any vehicle blocking a bus stop and other bus-only areas. The technology is currently limited to issue violations in bus lanes and busways.
While it remains unclear if the state Assembly will adopt the proposal, Davey said ticketing drivers who block buses has been successful in clearing bus lanes.
“I hope never to collect any revenue because I want these obstacles out of our buses' way. But the reality is it actually changes behavior. So typically, if a New Yorker gets a ticket 85% of the time they do not repeat,” Davey said.
Fines for driving, parking or standing in a bus lane range from $50 for the first offense to $250 for five or more offenses.