The MTA has begun issuing fines to drivers who illegally stop along 14 bus routes across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

The MTA’s Automated Camera Enforcement, or ACE, program expands on the Automated Bus Lane Enforcement, or ABLE, program, New York City Transit Interim President Demetrius Crichlow said in June.

What You Need To Know

  • The MTA has begun issuing fines to drivers who illegally stop along 14 bus routes across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens

  • The ACE program targets drivers who are stopped in bus lanes, those who park or double-park their vehicles illegally along bus routes, or who park illegally at bus stops

  • Fines start at $50 for the first offense and scale up to $250 for repeat violators

The ACE program targets drivers who are stopped in bus lanes, those who park or double-park their vehicles illegally along bus routes, or who park illegally at bus stops, according to MTA officials.

While the program rolled out during the second week in June, a 60-day warning period had been in effect to alert drivers of the upcoming fines. There was no warning period for bus lane violations on routes that already had automated bus lane enforcement.

Vehicles will no longer be warned as of Monday, and drivers will receive summonses in the mail starting at $50 for the first offense and scaling up to $250 for repeat violators, the MTA said.

“Time is up for folks who are inconveniencing bus passengers by blocking buses and bus stops,” New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro said.

According to MTA data, enforcement cameras help to increase bus lane speeds by 5% and reduce collisions by 20%. Additionally, only 9% of drivers commit another bus lane violation after being fined.

The MTA said all 623 buses operating on the 14 routes with enforcement technology have been upgraded to address violations at bus stops and for double-parked vehicles.