Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bus Rapid Transit

Tonight: Give DOT Your Ideas for the Future of 34th Street

1:55 PM EST on December 17, 2009

buslane.jpgWill NYPD cruisers and other bus lane blockers steer clear of the next transit improvement on 34th Street? Photo: Chris O'Leary.

Last September DOT and the MTA launched the 34th Street bus lane, New York City's second Select Bus Service route. You could say it's had some growing pains. Bus riders aren't getting the speedy, reliable trips they should be getting out of an exclusive transit route, because other vehicles, especially ones belonging to the NYPD, it seems, constantly block the way. The good news is that the terra cotta curbside lanes on 34th are just the first phase of the project. At a Manhattan Community Board 4 meeting tonight, DOT will be seeking feedback on the next phase.

DOT and the MTA released concept plans for a physically-separated, river-to-river busway on 34th Street last April. That idea, or something like it, is one of the options on the table as the project enters the "alternatives analysis" stage -- a standard stop on the route to implementing most transit projects. The DOT presentation [PDF] lists "Bus Rapid Transit" among seven options under consideration. Of the five options that change the status quo significantly, BRT is by far the most affordable to build.

CB4 transportation committee co-chair Christine Berthet expects the question of commercial deliveries to come up at tonight's meeting. Several businesses on 34th, she said, would like to have direct access to the curb restored. While local support for the transit project remains strong, she added, "maybe a center median option is much better. It relieves the issue of how do you do these deliveries."

We'll have more details for you tomorrow. To get the latest information from DOT and give your feedback, head to the Piano Room at Holland House, 351 West 42nd Street, at 6:30 tonight.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Can We Just Keep Cars Off the Queensbridge Baby Greenway?

Why do we allow car drivers to park on greenways, in parks and on tree beds?

March 29, 2024

Maximum Rage: Delivery Workers Protest Low Wages, App ‘Lockouts’

Couriers with bikes and signs urge the city to step in as Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash withhold work, they say.

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024
See all posts