Manhattan’s 96th Street has undergone a significant transformation with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announcing the completion of a major redesign focused on bus lanes and safety improvements. According to a press release by the NYC DOT, the changes include installation of offset and curbside bus lanes, pedestrian safety features, and left-turn bays aimed at streamlining traffic flow and increasing public transportation efficiency.
The redesigned corridor extends from Second Avenue to West End Avenue and introduces 1.7 miles of dedicated bus lanes, which will undoubtedly speed up the commute for the 15,500 weekday riders of the M96 and M106 bus routes. In the words of NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, "96th Street is one of the city's busiest crosstown routes, where bus speeds during rush hours can be as slow as walking." The addition of dedicated bus lanes will "dramatically enhance service for the 15,500 weekday riders who depend on this corridor, making their commutes faster, safer, and more reliable," Rodriguez told the NYC DOT.
With 74 percent of households along 96th Street not owning cars and 68 percent of residents commuting by public transit, walking, or biking, the demand for a more efficient bus system was clear. The design of the bus lanes aims to keep them clear of parked or standing vehicles, yet still allow curb access for essential activities like parking and truck loading. This balance is crucial to maintaining traffic flow for other vehicles, a factor that similar projects on Lexington Avenue and 21st Street have successfully demonstrated can increase bus speeds by sizable margins.
In responding to local concerns, NYC DOT has also instituted ‘Neighborhood Loading Zones’—areas reserved for services like drop-offs and deliveries—expected to improve traffic movement and safety. These zones were based on community feedback and are an example of the agency's willingness to adapt to neighborhood needs. State Senator Jose Serrano expressed gratitude for the redesign, stating, "The addition of dedicated bus lanes will enhance service for riders and promote pedestrian safety." This initiative is perceived as a step to make commutes "faster, safer, and more reliable," Serrano added in a statement obtained from the NYC DOT's release.
The implementation comes ahead of the city’s move to introduce congestion pricing in January, with the 96th Street redesign being one of 37 projects meant to encourage car-free commuting into New York's central business district. The NYC DOT also plans to monitor these changes post-implementation, ready to adjust traffic signals as necessary, ensuring that the commuter experience remains a priority even as the city navigates new transportation policies. This approach to urban design, prioritizing mass transit and pedestrian spaces, reflects a commitment to tackling environmental concerns and moving towards a more sustainable and accessible city landscape.
