NYC Begins Construction on 96th Street Bus Lanes

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) began constructing new bus lanes along 96th Street in Manhattan, one of the busiest crosstown routes in the city, on Monday, September 30th. The project, which spans from West End Avenue to Second Avenue, is expected to improve commute times for over 15,000 weekday riders who rely on the M96 and M106 bus routes. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated that the redesign will significantly reduce wait times and enhance service reliability for these routes.

Rodriguez said, “Bus lanes are one of the best ways to speed up service, and the new bus lanes on 96th Street will reduce wait times and improve service for 15,500 weekday riders. These improvements will make commutes faster, more reliable, and safer for everyone.”

The new bus lanes will offer a dedicated path for buses, reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency. The DOT expects the project to be completed by the end of 2024, with 1.7 miles of new lanes being added on both the Upper East and Upper West sides of Manhattan. In addition to the new bus lanes, the redesign will include left-turn bays and treatments to slow down traffic, enhancing safety for all commuters. The project also includes lengthened bus stops and new loading zones to accommodate deliveries.

However, not all residents are on board with the changes. Some Upper West Side residents, along with City Councilmember Gale Brewer, have expressed concerns about losing curb space. A rally held earlier this month highlighted the “need for alternative solutions to improve bus service without compromising parking and access.” Despite these objections, the DOT maintains that the redesign will not increase congestion but rather alleviate it. The department cited a similar project on Lexington Avenue, where bus speeds increased by 19% following the implementation of offset lanes.

The DOT spokesperson reassured residents that curb access for delivery vehicles will remain intact, and the project is designed to serve the 68% of local households that rely on public transit, walking, or biking. The redesign is seen as part of a broader effort by the city to modernize and improve its public transportation infrastructure, which is essential for reducing traffic and enhancing the reliability of transit.

While the project has garnered support from transit advocates who applaud the potential for faster, safer commutes, concerns from the local community continue to fuel debate. The DOT remains committed to addressing these concerns while completing the project in a timely manner.