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

It’s Up to Albany to Give Select Bus Service Its Flashing Lights Back

The elimination of flashing blue lights on the MTA's Select Bus Service vehicles is probably the most absurd transit setback of the past year. Since New York state law limits the use of flashing blues to volunteer firefighters, the MTA caved in to pressure from Staten Island pols and took them off SBS buses this January.

The flashing SBS lights are important for a few reasons. At the top of the list is that they help riders distinguish between local buses and SBS buses. Without an easy way to tell the buses apart, boarding takes longer and buses get delayed.

While it may seem equally absurd that this issue needs a legislative fix in Albany, that does seem to be the case. A bill sponsored by Assembly Member Micah Kellner and State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein would enable SBS buses to use flashing purple lights. The Assembly bill has 12 co-sponsors, and while the Senate version has none, it should benefit from Klein's leadership position. Along with speed camera legislation and the transit lockbox bill, this one of three bills in Albany that livable streets advocates have their eyes on as the end of the current legislative session approaches this Thursday.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

EXCLUSIVE: City Will Let Mopeds Use Queensboro and Brooklyn Bridge Roadways

DOT hopes to prevent conflicts between moped and bike riders by allowing the former on the main roadways on the Brooklyn Bridge and Queensboro Bridge.

March 13, 2025

Chinatown Pols Renew Push for Cars on Park Row, But Residents Say No

Politicians say getting cars back on Park Row is their top priority — but locals don't want that.

March 13, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Sunset on the Capitol Edition

Sometimes on a slow news day in the city, it's worth heading downtown D.C. — where everything is on fire.

March 13, 2025

Cabbies Call Parking Fines Too Harsh, Demand More Dedicated Curb Space

The TLC hopes to target repeat offenders and make streets safer by increasing penalties for for-hire vehicle parking violations.

March 13, 2025

U.S. DOT Orders Review of All Grants Related to Green Infrastructure, Bikes

Now U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is coming for our bike lanes!

March 12, 2025
See all posts