MTA Expands Bus Lane Camera Enforcement to M2 and M4 Routes

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on March 24 that it will add automated camera enforcement to two more Manhattan bus routes. Starting April 28, the M2 and M4 routes will begin a 60-day warning period before full enforcement takes effect.

What’s Changing

Cameras mounted on buses will automatically catch and ticket vehicles that:

Improperly use bus lanes
Block bus stops
Illegally double park in bus lanes

After the warning period ends, violators will face fines starting at $50, which can increase to $250 for repeat offenders.

Current Enforcement Scale

This expansion adds to the MTA’s growing camera network:

34 routes already have camera enforcement
Over 1,000 buses are now equipped with cameras
These cover 475 miles of bus routes
About 700,000 daily riders benefit from the program

Real Results from Camera Enforcement

The MTA reports significant improvements on routes where cameras are already active:

5% average increase in bus speeds
Up to 30% speed gains on some corridors
20% reduction in collisions
5-10% estimated reduction in emissions
40% reduction in blocked bus stops
Only 9% of drivers commit a second violation after being fined

How It Works

The Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program operates as a partnership between the MTA, NYC Department of Transportation, and NYC Department of Finance. When cameras capture violations, they record:

Video and images of the violation
License plate information
Location data
Time stamp

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This information is securely sent to NYCDOT, where city employees review it before processing fines.

The MTA has installed signs along each camera-enforced corridor to alert drivers about the enforcement.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb2BWGn77qVMKpqBxg3D

Existing Camera-Enforced Routes

The cameras already monitor numerous routes across the city, including:

M101, M60 SBS, M79 SBS, M86 SBS
Bx28, Bx35, Bx38, Bx6 SBS
B25, B26, B35, B41, B42, B82 SBS
Q5, Q43, Q53 SBS, Q69
S46, S79-SBS

With this expansion, the MTA continues its efforts to improve bus service reliability and speed throughout the city, particularly in Manhattan’s congested corridors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I accidentally drive in a bus lane? ➕

If you accidentally drive in a bus lane, you’ll initially receive a warning during the 60-day grace period (starting April 28 for M2 and M4 routes). After that, violations result in a $50 fine for first-time offenders, increasing to $250 for repeat violations. Each corridor with camera enforcement has signs posted to alert drivers.

How do the bus cameras work? ➕

Cameras mounted on buses automatically capture video, images, license plate information, location, and time stamps when vehicles block bus lanes, stop in bus stops, or illegally double park. This evidence is sent to the NYC Department of Transportation where city employees review it before issuing tickets.

Which Manhattan bus routes will have camera enforcement? ➕

The M2 and M4 routes are being added starting April 28. Several Manhattan routes already have camera enforcement, including the M101, M60 SBS, M79 SBS, and M86 SBS. In total, 36 routes across the city will have camera enforcement after this expansion.

Can I appeal a bus lane violation ticket? ➕

Yes, you can appeal a bus lane violation ticket through the NYC Department of Finance. Since all violations are reviewed by city employees before tickets are issued, you’ll need to provide evidence showing why you believe the ticket was issued in error.

How much have bus speeds improved with camera enforcement? ➕

According to MTA data, bus speeds have increased by an average of 5% on routes with camera enforcement. Some corridors have seen even more dramatic improvements, with speed gains up to 30%. This translates to shorter commute times for the 700,000 daily riders on these routes.

When will I start getting fined instead of warnings? ➕

For the newly enforced M2 and M4 routes, warnings will be issued for a 60-day period starting April 28. Actual fines will begin approximately June 27, 2025. For all other routes already under enforcement, fines are currently being issued.

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