MTA increasing bus lane enforcement in Bronx with more cameras on buses
BRONX (WABC) -- The MTA is stepping up bus lane enforcement in the Bronx by equipping more buses with enforcement cameras.
NYC Transit President Richard Davey said the ABLE cameras that can capture drivers blocking bus lanes and committing other violations were rolled out on BX36 buses this week.
The BX36 route is one of the longest and slowest in the Bronx. Articulated buses have to maneuver around double-parked cars and often pick up and discharge passengers in the middle of the street.
The goal of the cameras is to speed up service for 30,000 daily riders for whom the buses are the only way to get to school and work.
Davey says the cameras make bus travel faster and safer.
"Our stats show that about 80% of New Yorkers who receive a ticket don't receive a second one, they get the message and their behavior changes which is great," Davey said. "We would much rather motorists stay out of the bus lanes for the time being."
Authorities say about 50,000 ABLE violations were issued in the Bronx this year.
They say there has been a 25% decrease in bus collisions in the ABLE-enforced sections.
The MTA has 6,000 buses in its fleet. About 500 buses across the city are now equipped with cameras and another 500 will have them by the end of the year.
For the next 60 days, violators will get a warning, but after that, motorists will be required to pay the fines.
ABLE camera systems capture license plate information, photos and videos, together with location and timestamp information.
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