MTA activates automated bus lane enforcement cameras on two bus routes

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has activated automated bus lane enforcement cameras on two bus routes in the Bronx, the Bx12 and Bx41, and the Bx19 will be activated in the coming days. The rollout is part of a recent announcement made in October of equipping 300 additional buses with ABLE cameras across nine routes. That installation brought ABLE cameras for the first time to Queens with the Q44, Staten Island with the S79 and now the Bronx. ABLE cameras capture drivers violating busway and bus lane rules in real-time. The implementation of these cameras is aimed at deterring motorists from blocking bus lanes, to improve bus service and to ensure a smoother commute for customers.

Upon implementation of ABLE cameras, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will issue warning notices to motorists for the first 60 days, in accordance with state law, to ensure drivers are informed about the program before any fines are levied. Each bus lane corridor with ABLE camera coverage has signage indicating the hours the bus lanes are operable and advises drivers the lanes are camera-enforced.

“We are on track to install these automated enforcement cameras across 300 buses, covering nine additional routes by the end of the year,” said New York City Transit Department of Buses Senior Vice President Frank Annicaro. “When buses navigate city streets more easily, all our customers win. Automated camera enforcement is among the best ways to make that happen. These onboard cameras enable the MTA to enforce our bus lanes and is a proven and effective tool to increase compliance of the bus lanes.”

“As the agency that processes ABLE violations, DOT is proud to partner with the MTA to deliver faster and more reliable bus service for Bronxites along the busiest routes in the borough,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “These bus-mounted cameras will help keep bus lanes clear for the 85,000 daily bus riders traveling on Fordham Road—many of whom are essential workers. We thank the MTA for their collaboration and look forward to the continued expansion of the ABLE system.”

“For many of our residents, public transportation is an essential means to getting to their destination,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With this initiative, MTA is prioritizing safety, accessibility and speed. In choosing the Bx12 and Bx40 routes, the MTA is demonstrating its commitment to seeing these and other issues raised by our commuters addressed. I want to thank MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and his entire team for prioritizing our Bronx bus riders and commitment to transportation equity.”

With the activation of the two Bronx routes, the MTA will have 243 buses equipped with ABLE cameras on 11 routes across Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. The remaining routes will be rolled out by the end of the year, including:

• Q43
• Bx19
• B62
• B25
• B42

Locations were determined to maximize the length of bus lanes covered, balance distribution between boroughs, address some of the newer bus lanes and incorporate input from the MTA and NYCDOT on known locations with issues.

ABLE camera systems capture license plate information, photos and videos together with location and timestamp information. This information is then transmitted to NYCDOT for review and processing. The program is administered in partnership with NYCDOT and the New York City Department of Finance.