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

Eyes on the Street: Red Paint for “Queue-Jump” Bus Lanes on the M86

A new bus lane next to the right-turn lane keeps buses from getting stuck at the back of the line as they exit the 86th Street Transverse at Fifth Avenue. Photo: Stephen Miller
A "queue-jump" bus lane next to the right-turn lane keeps buses from getting stuck at the back of the line as they exit the 86th Street Transverse at Fifth Avenue. Photo: Stephen Miller
A new bus lane next to the right-turn lane keeps buses from getting stuck at the back of the line as they exit the 86th Street Transverse at Fifth Avenue. Photo: Stephen Miller

Select Bus Service on 86th Street in Manhattan won't be getting full bus-only lanes, but riders will benefit from short bus lanes at busy intersections. DOT has added two "queue-jump" lanes where 86th Street and 84th Street meet Fifth Avenue, to keep buses from getting stuck behind traffic waiting at lights.

The most important component of the M86 SBS upgrade is off-board fare collection. The sidewalk fare machines have been installed, but are not yet turned on for passengers.

When the upgraded service launches, the SBS vehicles will also receive flashing blue destination signs so riders can easily distinguish them from local buses. The new signs have begun rolling out on the M15 SBS on First and Second avenues.

A queue-jump bus lane at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue. The off-board fare payment machines have been installed, but won't be turned on until later this month. Photo: Stephen Miller
A queue-jump bus lane at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue. The off-board fare payment machines have been installed, but won't be turned on until later this month. Photo: Stephen Miller
A queue-jump bus lane at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue. The off-board fare payment machines have been installed, but won't be turned on until later this month. Photo: Stephen Miller

The MTA originally promised to begin M86 SBS service this spring, then settled on a June 28 launch date. That date has now been pushed back to sometime this month.

The delay is caused by ongoing construction on the East Side that prevented installation of ticket machines on the sidewalk, said MTA spokesperson Kevin Ortiz. The MTA will announce a launch date for Select Bus Service soon, he said.

Streetsblog will not be publishing tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. Enjoy the long weekend and we'll see you on Monday.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Preventable’: Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Two on Third Av. Corridor Eric Adams Refuses to Make Safer

A motorist struck and killed two men on a strip where Mayor Adams recently shelved a safety redesign amid a backlash from local business interests.

July 11, 2025

Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks

Years of bus priority projects barely made a dent in speeds because Big Apple leaders won't install real bus rapid transit, two recent reports argue.

July 11, 2025

Citi Bike Riders Are Pissed About Eric Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit

Citi Bike's new 15 mph max speed limit is a bad deal for riders and a potential threat to safety, riders said.

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: Cyclists, Check Out Your Next City

Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson visited London earlier this summer to check in on the Big Smoke's cycling revolution.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Just the News Edition

We've got one more workday before we can hit the beach. Plus the news.

July 11, 2025

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday to close the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025
See all posts