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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says fines from its automated bus-lane camera program will begin this week on a crosstown route that serves part of the Upper West Side.
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Starting Friday, Feb. 6, vehicles that improperly use bus lanes or busways, block bus stops, or double park along the M57 route will receive summonses when captured by on-board cameras. Fines start at $50 and can climb to $250 for repeat violations, according to the MTA’s announcement Wednesday.The M57, which on the UWS runs along West End Avenue between 59th and 72nd streets, is one of three routes entering the enforcement phase, alongside two Brooklyn lines. With the addition, the automated camera enforcement program now spans 54 routes citywide, with more than 1,600 camera-equipped buses covering roughly 560 miles and serving about 980,000 daily riders.
According to the MTA, routes with automated enforcement have seen average bus speed increases of about 5%, with some corridors improving by as much as 30%. The agency also reports a 20% reduction in collisions, an estimated 5% to 10% drop in emissions, and a 40% decrease in vehicles blocking bus stops. Only about 10% of drivers ticketed receive multiple summonses, which the MTA says suggests the program is deterring repeat violations.
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The enforcement system is operated in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Finance. Video and images captured by bus-mounted cameras — along with license plate, location, and time-stamp data — are transmitted to city agencies for review and processing.The automated camera initiative launched in June 2024 and has expanded steadily across all five boroughs. Corridors with active enforcement are marked with signage indicating that cameras are in use. More information about the program is available on the MTA’s website.
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