The MBTA is elevating its approach to keeping bus lanes clear by fastening automated cameras to their buses, aiming to ticket vehicles that clog the pathways meant for public transit. Governor Maura Healey has endorsed two bills that, after being enacted into law, will help the MBTA monitor and penalize these infractions. Details acquired from CBS Boston highlight that the camera enforcement program is expected to begin later in the year, with first-time violators potentially facing warnings before incurring financial penalties ranging from $25 to $125 for obstructing bus lanes, and a solid $100 fine for those ensnaring bus stops.
According to Boston.com, the MBTA's senior director of transit policy, Rachel Morse, clarified that "This is not meant to be a revenue opportunity," emphasizing that profits from the fines are dedicated to the state's Transportation Trust Fund. The MBTA's director of transit priority, Alex Hallowell, also weighed in, expressing that maintaining clear access to curbs and bus stops is "critically important" for riders, especially those with visual or mobility impairments. Initially getting a soft launch on select buses by late fall, the program will gradually extend to a wider fleet by 2026, complemented by a 60-day mandatory public education period before fines are issued.
In removing a bus lane from Boylston Street that had been a previous annoyance to locals due to traffic and parking issues, the MBTA conveyed a willingness to revisit and revise its strategies as necessary. However, this flexibility does not extend to the impending firm stance on keeping lanes open for buses.
Furthermore, school buses haven't been overlooked in this legislative shift. School committees have been awarded the autonomy to decide whether to implement cameras to catch and penalize drivers bypassing stopped school buses. Per the bill, any footage from these cameras that does not prove a violation occur must be eliminated within 30 days, unless a court orders otherwise.
