Manhattan Community Boards Advocate for 34th Street busway

Three manhattan Community Boards are urging Mayor Adams and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize a busway for 34th Street. leaders from Community Boards 4, 5, and 6 have formally requested the city to realize the long-discussed plan, envisioning a busway spanning “the entire length” of the thoroughfare.

The Call for Improved Transit and Pedestrian Safety

The community boards emphasize the pressing demand for enhanced public transportation within Manhattan’s congested core. In their letter to the mayor, the chair and transportation committee chair of each board stated, “given the critical need to enhance public transportation infrastructure in this highly congested area of Manhattan, this project would significantly improve the efficiency and livability of 34th Street for both commuters and pedestrians.” The proposal seeks not only to improve bus service but also to enhance the pedestrian experience through widened sidewalks and dedicated loading zones.

Success of 14th Street Busway as a Model

The community board leaders point to the success of the 14th Street busway as a compelling argument for implementing a similar project on 34th Street. Installed in 2019, the 14th Street busway has significantly improved bus speeds and ridership without causing major traffic disruptions. “The success of the 14th Street busway serves as a compelling precedent. After implementation, bus speeds on 14th Street increased by at least 24 percent, and bus ridership grew by 30 percent,” the letter stated, highlighting the tangible benefits of dedicated bus lanes.moreover, a study indicated that the project “did not result in meaningful congestion on nearby streets, demonstrating that dedicated busways can be both effective and non-disruptive to surrounding traffic.”

DOT’s Initial Outreach and Existing Bus Lanes

The request follows the DOT’s initial outreach regarding potential bus service enhancements for 34th Street. While the DOT has yet to commit to a specific project type, 34th Street currently features a mix of curbside and offset bus lanes. However, bus speeds on this route remain sluggish, averaging between 3 and 4 miles per hour. Community leaders advocate for a 24/7 busway, coupled with widened sidewalks, bus stop bulb-outs, and dedicated loading zones to improve safety and efficiency.

Adams Administration’s track record on Busways

Concerns exist regarding the Adams administration’s commitment to bus infrastructure. Since taking office, Mayor Adams has overseen the installation of only one busway, with a second planned for Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Furthermore, the administration has “trimmed the hours of three other busways” previously established. While Adams pledged to install 150 miles of new bus lanes during his campaign, the city painted just 5 miles of new bus lanes per year in 2023 and 2024 – far short of the 30-mile-per-year benchmark set by the City Council.

The Broader Implications for Midtown Manhattan

The proposed 34th Street busway is envisioned as a vital step toward enhancing public transportation, reducing congestion, and boosting economic activity in one of New York City’s busiest areas.In their letter, the community board leaders emphasized that “the 34th Street busway and pedestrian improvement project is a necessary and forward-thinking step towards improving public transportation, reducing congestion, enhancing pedestrian safety, and supporting economic vitality in one of New York City’s busiest corridors.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Improved Transit

The implementation of a 34th Street busway represents a significant prospect to enhance public transportation and improve the quality of life for commuters and pedestrians in Midtown Manhattan.the success of the 14th Street busway demonstrates the potential benefits of such a project. As the DOT considers its options, prioritizing the 34th Street busway would be a decisive step toward a more efficient and enduring transit system. Contact your local representatives to voice your support for this vital initiative and help make the 34th Street busway a reality.

What specific data points or metrics would be moast helpful in evaluating the success of the proposed 34th Street busway?

34th Street Busway Gains Momentum: An Interview with Transit Advocate

We sat down with Sarah Chen, a Senior Transportation Planner at the Manhattan Transit Alliance, to discuss the proposed 34th Street busway and its potential impact on Midtown Manhattan.

The Push for a 34th Street Busway

Archyde: Sarah, thanks for joining us. Can you start by explaining why Manhattan Community Boards are so keen on a 34th Street busway?

Sarah Chen: Absolutely. The Community Boards recognize that 34th Street is a critical artery in Manhattan, but it’s plagued by congestion. They see a busway as a key solution to improving transit efficiency and pedestrian safety in this vital corridor.

Learning from the 14th Street Success

Archyde: The 14th Street busway is often cited as a model. What lessons can be applied from that project to 34th Street?

Sarah Chen: The 14th Street busway demonstrated that dedicated bus lanes can dramatically improve bus speeds and ridership without considerably disrupting surrounding traffic. We learned that prioritizing public transit can be both effective and non-disruptive – a crucial point for a busy street like 34th Street.According to NYC DOT’s data, the Central Business District Tolling Program was launched in January 2025, so this is an appropriate time to be thinking of ways to relieve congestion on 34th street.

Addressing Concerns about the Adams Management’s Commitment

Archyde: There seems to be some concern about the Adams administration’s commitment to bus infrastructure, given the limited progress on new busways. How can these concerns be addressed to ensure the 34th Street project gets the necessary support?

Sarah Chen: It’s vital to highlight the tangible benefits of the 14th Street busway and present a strong case for the positive impact a 34th Street busway will have on congestion,economic activity,and the overall livability of Midtown. Continued public advocacy and demonstrating community support are also key to securing the administration’s commitment.

Beyond Buses: Pedestrian and Economic Benefits

Archyde: this initiative isn’t just about buses,is it? How would a 34th Street busway benefit pedestrians and the broader Midtown economy?

Sarah Chen: You’re right. The proposal includes widened sidewalks, dedicated loading zones, and bus stop bulb-outs, all aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and creating a more pleasant surroundings. Improved transit accessibility can also draw more people to the area, boosting economic activity for local businesses.The M34 / M34-A SBS and express buses serve 28,000 daily bus passengers, and weekday bus speeds are barely 4.6 mph, so this is a critical need.

A Forward-Thinking Step for Midtown

Archyde: what’s your vision for the future of 34th Street with an implemented busway?

Sarah Chen: I envision a 34th Street that is more efficient, more accessible, and more pedestrian-amiable. A busway would be a forward-thinking step towards a more sustainable and vibrant Midtown Manhattan, setting a precedent for othre congested corridors in the city.

Engaging Our Readers

Archyde: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your expertise.a question for our readers: What are your thoughts on the proposed 34th Street busway? Do you believe it’s a necessary step for improving transit in Midtown, or are there other solutions the city should consider?