New York City is moving forward with a long-delayed project to improve bus service along Madison Avenue. Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced on Sunday that the agency will complete the redesign of Madison Avenue, extending double bus lanes from 23rd to 42nd Streets.
Addressing Commute Challenges
The upgrades aim to alleviate congestion for the 92,000 daily riders on Madison Avenue, where buses currently travel as slowly as 4.5 miles per hour. Currently, the stretch of Madison Avenue from 42nd to 60th Street includes two bus lanes, two travel lanes, and one parking lane, serving 34 local and express routes from all five boroughs.
The redesign will include one travel lane and a combined parking and rush-hour travel lane. The project had been stalled because the city “missed the last painting season,” according to Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson.
Building on Recent Improvements
This initiative builds upon recent traffic improvements seen since the implementation of congestion pricing. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported a 2.3 percent increase in bus speeds across the central business district in January.
The Madison Avenue project is part of a broader effort by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to revive stalled transportation projects. He recently announced the restoration of the original “road-diet” plan for McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint and the bike lane redesign for Astoria’s 31st Street.
“Installing new bus lanes on Southern Madison Avenue will speed up commutes for nearly 100,000 riders a day,” Kerson said. “That saves New Yorkers time, money, and headaches.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Madison Avenue bus lane redesign?
The goal is to improve bus speeds and reliability along Madison Avenue, benefiting the 92,000 daily riders who experience slow commutes due to traffic congestion.
Why was the project delayed?
The project was paused because the city “missed the last painting season,” preventing work from being completed during favorable weather conditions.
What other transportation projects has Mayor Mamdani revived?
Mayor Mamdani has also announced the restoration of the original “road-diet” plan for McGuinness Boulevard and the bike lane redesign for Astoria’s 31st Street.
As the city moves forward with this project, will the improvements to Madison Avenue translate to a more efficient and reliable commute for thousands of New Yorkers?
