Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bus Bulbs

Eyes on the Street: If You Build It, They Will Sit

bus_bulb_benches1.jpgA Soho shopper takes a break on a new bench between the sidewalk and the bus bulb. Construction's still underway on this block. Photo: Paco Abraham

A couple weeks ago, we showed how the bus bulbs on Lower Broadway were being integrated with the sidewalk next to them. For drainage reasons, a small gap and a large fence had separated the two pedestrian spaces, but DOT capped the gap with a small grate and replaced the fence with benches. That work's now largely complete and Streetsblog reader Dave "Paco" Abraham sent along these pics of Soho pedestrians taking advantage of their new public space. There's a lot more breathing room on a stretch of sidewalk that's often packed and it looks like people appreciate it. 

bus_bulb_benches2.jpgAt this time of day, bench users didn't seem to be waiting for the bus. Photo: Paco Abraham.

This'll be our last post for the day, so see you on Tuesday and have a great Fourth of July.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Relay — The Delivery App You Didn’t Know You Were Using — Pulls Out As NYC Ramps Up Worker Protections

Relay is shutting down operations in New York City, leaving thousands of workers without jobs.

February 17, 2026

Opinion: Mamdani Must Do More Than Just Undo the Mistakes of Eric Adams

Mamdani deserve credit for the quick wins, but there's only so much he can accomplish by reversing the mistakes of Eric Adams.

February 17, 2026

Manhattan Panel Pans DOT Plan for Unprotected E. 17th St. Bike Lane

Community Board 6 voted overwhelmingly to support a protected bike lane over DOT's unprotected proposal.

February 17, 2026

Jersey City Shows Why NYC Needs a Real Chief Public Realm Officer

New York City's smaller neighbor was able to make big streetscape changes by centralizing planning for public space under one role.

February 17, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: (Parking) Space … The Final Frontier Edition

Let's start raising revenue by charging a tiny fee for drivers to store their cars in the public right of way! Plus other news.

February 17, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Presidents’ Day Edition

We're honoring the Presidents of the United States today, but let's do so with a little news roundup, ok?

February 16, 2026
See all posts