City crews have begun work to extend double bus lanes on Madison Avenue, pushing the dedicated corridors 19 blocks further downtown. Transportation officials are expected to make the formal announcement this Friday.
Expanding the Transit Corridor
The project will extend the existing double bus lanes—which currently span from E. 42nd St. To E. 60th St.—down to E. 23rd St. This expansion is designed to accelerate bus travel across nearly 40 blocks of the northbound thoroughfare.
A Transportation Department spokesman confirmed on Thursday that crews have already started removing classic markings from the asphalt. The full installation of the new lanes is expected to take several weeks.
Addressing “Snail’s Pace” Commutes
The initiative targets severe congestion south of E. 42nd St., where DOT data shows buses average a speed of approximately 4.5 mph. Here’s just over half of the 8 mph average speed of a typical city bus.
Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn noted that nearly 100,000 bus riders from all five boroughs navigate this stretch every weekday. He described the current conditions as “walking speed,” stating that unpredictable commutes steal time from working New Yorkers.
Administrative Shift and Road Design
While the project was first pitched under former mayor Eric Adams, it became one of the first bus improvements announced by the Mamdani administration at the start of the year. The Mamdani administration prioritized the project to ensure it did not “stay stuck on the shelf.”
Deputy Mayor of Operations Julia Kerson emphasized in January that the goal was to complete the extension of the double bus lanes within the current year, focusing on agency coordination and execution.
The road configuration will change south of E. 42nd St. While the area north of E. 42nd St. Maintains two bus lanes, two motor vehicle lanes, and one parking lane, the new plan will implement two bus lanes, one parking lane, and only one lane for other motorized traffic.
Future Outlook
As work continues over the coming weeks, the city may notice a gradual increase in northbound bus speeds. If the project meets its goals, it is likely to provide more predictable commute times for the thousands of riders utilizing the corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far will the bus lanes be extended?
The double bus lanes will be extended 19 blocks downtown, moving the southern terminus from E. 42nd St. Down to E. 23rd St.
How does the speed of buses south of E. 42nd St. Compare to the city average?
Buses in this area average about 4.5 mph, which is a little more than half of the 8 mph average speed for a city bus.
What will the lane configuration be south of E. 42nd St.?
The plan will install two bus lanes, leaving one lane for parking and one lane for other motorized traffic.
Do you believe reducing vehicle lanes to prioritize bus travel is the most effective way to handle city congestion?
