The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is expanding its bus lane enforcement camera program in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The program issues fines to vehicles that use designated bus lanes without authorization. Beginning today, drivers who violate bus lane rules on the B-68, B-60, and M-57 routes will receive a $50 fine for a first offense, with penalties increasing up to $250 for repeat violations, according to ABC7NY.
Since the program’s launch in 2024, the average speed of city buses has increased by 5%, with some corridors reporting improvements of up to 30%. Some local drivers have expressed concerns about the fine system. John Piedra, a resident motorist, told The New York Post that the fines are burdensome. Ray Malia, a 39-year-old dishwasher technician, said that limited parking, particularly during winter conditions, can make compliance more difficult.
The MTA’s Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program monitors violations including driving in bus lanes, double-parking, and blocking bus stops. Bus-mounted cameras capture potential infractions, and the footage is sent to the city Department of Finance for processing. Fines begin at $50 for a first violation and increase by $50 for each subsequent offense, up to a maximum of $250.
Transportation Alternatives, a group that supports public transportation, reported that bus-mounted cameras identify 115 drivers blocking bus lanes for every motorist ticketed by the NYPD. The New York Post states that revenues from the ACE program increased from approximately $22.5 million in 2024 to around $108 million in 2025 as the camera network expanded citywide. The MTA has not publicly released the program’s annual operating costs.
With the addition of congestion tolls alongside automated enforcement fines, some drivers report increased financial pressure. Ahmad, a taxi driver, told The New York Post that these measures affect his income and may create economic strain. Amara Ouattaro, another taxi driver, said that limited options sometimes require dropping off passengers in bus lanes, resulting in fines. Ouattaro added that paying these fines is often unavoidable, highlighting the challenges faced by drivers.
