Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Buses

Critical Transportation Reforms Sink With Pricing

bus_cam.jpg
An enforcement camera in London captures a motorist in the bus lane.

Mayor Bloomberg's strategy was to bundle all of the PlanNYC transportation reforms requiring legislative approval into one bill. The sinking of the congestion pricing ship took other victims with it. Lost with congestion pricing was legislation approving bus lane enforcement cameras, residential parking permits, and reclassifying "block the box" as an easier to enforce parking violation.

The mayor's legislation can be found here by searching the text of Senate bill S6068A.

Despite the setback, nothing prevents Bloomberg from seeking approval for these initiatives in the next legislative session, through negotiation or in some sort of commission like the one proposed by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Bus lane enforcement cameras are particularly important and well worth the mayor's efforts. New York City has enormous trouble enforcing bus lanes, and the cameras are a critical part of making future Bus Rapid Transit work.

Supporters of parking reform may want to take the time Sheldon Silver has given them to think about residential parking permit legislation. Permits might make sense as a mitigation for reducing the "edge effect" of a congestion pricing zone and to prevent driving to major trip-generators like the proposed Atlantic Yards arena in Brooklyn. But as a stand alone proposition, residential permits, especially the free permits proposed in the State Senate bill, will do little to address parking problems or open up scarce curb space for deliveries and service vehicles that now double park and delay traffic.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: Back to School Edition

The opening of school means it's time for readin', writin' and butcherin'. Plus other news.

September 4, 2025

Cop Who Fatally Struck a Man in Flushing Meadows Park Wasn’t Even Looking: Witnesses

And the NYPD has completely clammed up about the crash caused by one of its officers. State AG Letitia James is now investigating.

September 3, 2025

OPINION: ‘Summer Streets’ Shows That Car-Free Roads Give Kids the Independence They Need

A 9-year-old shares his experience of riding on DOT’s Summer Streets by himself. 

September 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Beautiful Day Edition

The weather is going to be stupendous again, so get out there ... after reading today's news digest.

September 3, 2025

State DOT Partially Backs Off Cross Bronx Expwy. Expansion

Advocates are still concerned about a project that will widen five bridges and create a temporary roadway.

September 2, 2025

Instacart Now Claims it ‘Supports’ Worker Minimum Wage That It Fought To Defeat; Experts See ‘Corporate Spin’

After an all-out campaign against a minimum wage for its workers, Instacart now claims it "supports" the bill. But that's just "a flat-out lie," said one worker advocate.

September 2, 2025
See all posts