A key promise from Mayor Zohran Mamdani to improve New York City’s bus service is advancing with plans to redesign Madison Avenue. Transportation officials announced Sunday they will move forward with a project to create dedicated bus lanes along the busy Manhattan corridor.
Revamping Madison Avenue for Faster Bus Service
The plan calls for extending double bus lanes from 42nd Street south to 23rd Street before the end of the year. This redesign aims to benefit approximately 92,000 daily riders who use local and express bus routes connecting all five boroughs.
Currently, buses traveling below 42nd Street on Madison Avenue average just 4.5 miles per hour, less than half the citywide average of 8.1 miles per hour, according to the Department of Transportation. DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn stated, “Madison Avenue is one of the most important bus corridors in the city, yet tens of thousands of riders are crawling along at walking speed.”
The redesign will dedicate two lanes to buses, while maintaining one lane for general traffic and another that will alternate between parking and travel during peak hours. Officials noted that this configuration reflects current travel patterns, as 55% of those using this stretch of Madison Avenue travel by bus.
Building on Existing Improvements
The announcement follows reported slight increases in bus speeds within the congestion pricing zone, Manhattan below 60th Street. Officials believe the new bus lanes will further enhance these gains. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal described the plan as “a perfect marriage” to existing congestion pricing efforts.
A similar redesign on Fifth Avenue reportedly increased local bus speeds by up to 12% and express bus speeds by as much as 20%. Transportation advocates, like Betsy Plum, executive director of Riders Alliance, have praised the Mamdani administration’s decision to move forward with the project, stating, “Buses are the silent backbone of this city.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Madison Avenue bus lane redesign be completed?
Officials aim to complete the extension of double bus lanes from 42nd Street to 23rd Street by the end of the year.
How many people will benefit from this redesign?
The redesign is expected to improve speed and reliability for roughly 92,000 daily riders on local and express routes.
What is the current speed of buses on Madison Avenue below 42nd Street?
Buses currently crawl at just 4.5 miles per hour below 42nd Street on Madison Avenue.
Will this redesign lead to further changes in traffic patterns on Madison Avenue? It is possible that the new lane configuration could influence traffic flow, and further adjustments may be considered based on observed outcomes. It is also possible that the city may explore similar redesigns on other congested corridors. The success of this project could lead to increased advocacy for expanded bus lane networks throughout the city.
