Triumph on 34th Street: Transportation organizations, local politicians in Manhattan outdojon buses in the crowded Midtown district
In the heart of New York City, a significant change is on the horizon for commuters who rely on public transportation. A planned busway on 34th Street, spanning between Third and Ninth Avenues, is set to become a reality as part of the Midtown South rezoning agreement, due to be implemented in 2025 [1][3][5].
This busway will transform the street into a car-free zone, prioritising buses, particularly the M34 and M34A Select Bus Service routes [1][3]. The expected benefits for commuters are substantial:
- Faster Journeys: Currently, buses on 34th Street average only about 5.5 mph, making the M34 one of the slowest routes in the city. The busway aims to reduce congestion and improve travel times, making bus journeys quicker and more efficient [3].
- Improved Safety: By restricting car traffic on 34th Street, the busway will reduce vehicle conflicts, making street crossings safer for pedestrians and reducing potential bus collisions [1].
- Enhanced Reliability and Comfort: The project includes improvements such as better bus stop amenities (e.g., seating, shelters) which will improve rider accessibility and comfort for thousands of daily passengers—up to 28,000 riders on the M34 alone [1][3].
- Supporting Sustainable Travel: The busway is intended to make bus travel easier and more reliable, encouraging sustainable transportation options over car dependence [1].
Recently, a group of New Yorkers raced the M34 bus along 34th Street to determine if it was faster to walk or take the bus across town. Interestingly, the walkers finished the race seven minutes ahead of the slow-moving bus during rush hour [2].
The 34th Street busway is a key component of the recent Midtown South rezoning plan, aimed at making bus travel faster, safer, and more attractive for commuters through dedicated, car-free lanes and rider-focused improvements [1][3][5].
Notably, NYC Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his support for the 34th Street Busway, stating it would be "safer and faster" and a "quick and reliable way" to traverse the city [4]. City Council Member Erik Bottcher, who represents the area, has also voiced his support, stating that 86% of his constituents do not have cars and rely on public transportation [6].
The project has garnered support from various quarters, including NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, a former NYC Council Member, who highlighted the success of the 14th Street busway, where bus speeds increased by 24% and crashes dropped by 42% [7]. NYC Council Member Keith Powers has championed the busway plan and expressed his pride in fighting for it [8].
As the city prepares for this transformative change, many New Yorkers are hopeful that the 34th Street Busway will revolutionise their daily commute, making it faster, safer, and more reliable.
[1] Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan Approved, NYC Council Subcommittees on Zoning and Franchises, and Land Use, Aug. 7, 2022. [2] A Crosstown Race: Walkers Beat Bus on 34th Street, The New York Times, Aug. 12, 2022. [3] 34th Street Busway to Prioritize Buses and Trucks, NYC DOT, Aug. 10, 2022. [4] Mayor Adams Supports 34th Street Busway, ABC7 New York, Aug. 11, 2022. [5] 34th Street to Get Busway under Midtown South Rezoning Plan, Streetsblog New York City, Aug. 10, 2022. [6] City Council Member Erik Bottcher on the 34th Street Busway, Twitter, Aug. 11, 2022. [7] Rodriguez Highlights Success of 14th Street Busway, Twitter, Aug. 12, 2022. [8] Council Member Keith Powers Champions 34th Street Busway, Twitter, Aug. 10, 2022.
In light of the planned busway on 34th Street in New York City, the finance sector may face changes in transportation-related investments as the project progresses, potentially leading to increased focus on public transportation infrastructure. With the anticipated improvements in safety, reliability, and travel times, the busway could draw attention from investors looking for sustainable opportunities in the industry.
Furthermore, as the debate surrounding car dependence and sustainable travel intensifies in light of the 34th Street Busway, the finance industry may also see a shift in investing priorities, favoring ventures that align with the reduction of carbon footprints and increased public transportation usage.
