Yet Another Bus Lane Could Be Coming To The Bronx
A possible busway has sparked a conflict between transit riders and advocates on one side, and local retailers, Fordham University, and prominent tourist attractions like the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo on the other. The bronx already has quite a number of bus lanes, and this number may only increase regardless of what businesses have to say about it.
Last year, the NYC transport authority presented options for a half-mile section of the road to be converted into a two-way or eastbound-only busway, limiting traffic to trucks, buses, and emergency vehicles. Other vehicles would have limited access for pickups, drop-offs, and garage entry. Fordham Road, which serves as a route for five bus lines with 85,000 daily riders, was designated a bus priority corridor by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum expressed disappointment with the decision in a letter to Mayor Eric Adams on June 7, urging him to adopt both the busway and dedicated bus lanes. Plum emphasized that while offset lanes offer some improvement, a busway would be a significant victory for riders and the most crucial transit equity project in the city.
Local businesses, expressed concerns to Mayor Adams about diverted traffic leading to congestion, increased air pollution, and reduced accessibility for customers arriving by car. Of course, driving a car in a bus lane is not an option, with fines ranging anywhere from $50-$250.
According to the NYC DOT, bus speeds and ridership along Fordham Road have decreased in recent years, negatively impacting public transit users. A 2019 survey revealed that 86% of customers visiting Fordham Road businesses arrived by bus, train, or on foot, with nearly two-thirds residing in nearby neighborhoods. Car ownership in the broader Fordham area is less than 24%, as reported by a survey conducted by the New York City Small Business Services.
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