New York City’s bus system is poised for a critically important upgrade, promising faster and more reliable commutes for hundreds of thousands of daily riders. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s commitment to improving public transportation is now taking shape with a renewed focus on dedicated bus lanes.This initiative directly addresses a long-standing issue: the frustratingly slow pace of buses navigating Manhattan’s congested streets.
## Faster Buses: A Revitalization of Madison Avenue
A key component of this plan involves a redesign of Madison Avenue, creating dedicated bus space along a notoriously tough corridor. Transportation officials announced on Sunday, January 11, 2026, that they will proceed with extending double bus lanes from 42nd Street south to 23rd Street before the end of the year. This expansion aims to benefit approximately 92,000 passengers who rely on local and express routes connecting all five boroughs.
Did You Know? According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation supports 43 million jobs and contributes over $1.5 trillion to the U.S.economy annually.
Currently, buses traveling below 42nd Street on Madison Avenue average a mere 4.5 miles per hour – less than half the citywide average of 8.1 miles per hour. “Madison Avenue is one of the most crucial bus corridors in the city, yet tens of thousands of riders are crawling along at walking speed,” stated DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. This redesign seeks to dramatically change that reality.### How the Redesign Will Work
The proposed redesign will allocate two lanes specifically for buses,while maintaining one lane for general traffic. A second lane will alternate between parking and travel access during peak hours. This configuration is designed to align with actual travel patterns,recognizing that 55% of those using this stretch of Madison Avenue are bus riders.
| Feature | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Speed (below 42nd St) | 4.5 mph | targeting significant increase |
| Lane Allocation | Mixed Traffic | Two Dedicated Bus Lanes |
| Riders Impacted | 92,000 daily | Improved speed & reliability |
The initiative builds on recent improvements already seen within the congestion pricing zone in Manhattan, where data indicates a slight increase in bus speeds. Officials believe the new lanes will amplify this positive trend. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal emphasized the synergy, stating, “As a complement to what we have already started in Albany and at City Hall in terms of congestion pricing, it couldn’t be a more perfect marriage.”
Pro Tip: Utilize real-time bus tracking apps like Citymapper or the MTA’s MYmta app to plan your commute and stay informed about potential delays.
## A Project Years in the Making
Interestingly, this redesign wasn’t a new idea. It was originally proposed in 2025,but implementation was paused during the final year of the previous administration. Deputy Mayor for operations Julia Kerson explained the delay was due to missing the optimal “painting season” for road markings.
Transportation advocates have enthusiastically welcomed the Mamdani administration’s decision to revive the project.The success of a similar redesign on Fifth Avenue, which saw local bus speeds increase by up to 12% and express buses by as much as 20%, provides a compelling precedent.
“Buses are the silent backbone of this city,” remarked Betsy Plum, executive director of Riders Alliance. “We are excited to see faster buses that give riders back their time.”
I’ve found that investing in bus infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to improve urban mobility, especially for those who don’t have access to a car or prefer a more enduring transportation option. Here’s what works best: dedicated lanes, signal priority, and all-door boarding. Thes improvements not only speed up commutes but also encourage more people to choose public transit.
are you curious about how these changes will impact your daily commute? What other improvements would you like
