Skip to content

Cops, Cabs and Trucks Ignore 34th Street SBS Lane

DOT plans to use cameras to keep cabs and government vehicles out of the 34th Street lanes.

34st1.jpg
DOT plans to use cameras to keep cabs and government vehicles out of the 34th Street lanes.

Last Monday the city launched phase one of its second Select Bus Service route, on 34th Street in Manhattan. From what we could tell on Friday, so far some new signage and fresh terracotta paint are about all that distinguish the new lanes from that of a conventional line.

In contrast to the Bx12 Fordham Road route, which debuted in June, there are no pre-paid boarding stations or spiffy aqua blue buses. And in advance of planned camera enforcement and other “soft” deterrents, there is no shortage of vehicles using the lanes for parking during the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. bus-only window.

Streetsblog has a call in to DOT for more info on when additional SBS features will be coming to 34th Street. Plans call for the corridor to eventually become the city’s first “Transitway,” with protected bus lanes and a car-free plaza between 5th and 6th Avenues.

34thst_truck.jpg
The driver of this truck was nowhere to be seen for 15-20 minutes.

34thst_bus.jpg
Well, it is a bus lane.

34thst_truck2.jpg
Which should I block: the bus lane or the sidewalk?

Photos: Brad Aaron

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Unacceptable’: Mamdani Condemns Super Speeder Cop, But Won’t Commit to Action

April 24, 2026

City Officials Shrug at NYPD Cop’s Reckless Driving As Advocates Push ‘Stop Super Speeders’ Bill

April 24, 2026

Friday Video(s): Kidical Mass, Night-Biking in Tokyo, and More

April 24, 2026

That Widely Misrepresented E-Mobility Study Actually Reveals Need For Safer Streets, Not Hysteria

April 24, 2026
See all posts