Manhattan’s 14th Street is a vital artery connecting neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Union Square, and the Meatpacking District. To improve traffic flow and prioritize public transportation, the 14th Street Busway was established. This system aims to efficiently move people and goods while maintaining local access for all road users. Understanding the regulations is key to navigating 14th Street effectively.
Understanding 14th Street Busway Hours and Restrictions
The core of the 14th Street Busway regulations revolves around time-based access restrictions. From 6 AM to 10 PM daily, specific rules are in place to prioritize buses and trucks. Outside of these hours, from 10 PM to 6 AM, access is broadened to all vehicle types. These time-sensitive rules are designed to optimize traffic during peak hours while accommodating all users during less congested times.
6 AM to 10 PM: Bus and Truck Priority on 14th Street
During daytime hours, specifically between 6 AM and 10 PM, 14th Street between 3rd and 9th Avenues operates under bus and truck priority. This means:
- Through Trips: Only buses and trucks are permitted to travel straight through on 14th Street between 9th and 3rd Avenues. This measure significantly speeds up bus service and reduces congestion.
- Local Access: Other vehicles, including cars and vans, are allowed on 14th Street for local purposes only. This includes accessing businesses, residences, and parking garages located on 14th Street. However, these vehicles must make the next available right turn to ensure they do not travel through the busway corridor.
- Commercial Loading: Commercial vehicles are accommodated with designated short-term metered loading zones. These zones allow for necessary deliveries and pickups for businesses along 14th Street.
- Passenger Drop-off/Pick-up: Passenger vehicles can drop off and pick up passengers along the entire 14th Street corridor. This ensures accessibility for passengers needing to reach destinations on 14th Street, even during busway hours.
10 PM to 6 AM: Open to All Vehicles on 14th Street
Overnight, from 10 PM to 6 AM, the restrictions on 14th Street are lifted. This period allows for:
- Through Trips for All: All vehicle types, including cars, trucks, and buses, can make through trips along 14th Street. This accommodates general traffic flow when bus and truck priority is less critical.
- Expedited Loading/Unloading: “No Parking” regulations during these hours facilitate efficient loading and unloading activities. This supports businesses and residents who require vehicle access during off-peak hours.
Left Turn Restrictions on 14th Street
At all times, regardless of the hour, a crucial rule applies to 14th Street:
- No Left Turns: Left turns are prohibited from 14th Street onto intersecting avenues, with the exception of MTA buses at specifically signed locations. This ban on left turns is implemented to prevent buses from being delayed behind turning vehicles and to enhance pedestrian safety, as left turns are statistically linked to higher pedestrian accident rates.
Background of the 14th Street Busway
The 14th Street Busway is not a new concept; it evolved from a successful pilot program. Officially made permanent in June 2020, with ongoing plans to expand bus lanes eastward, the busway has proven its effectiveness.
Originally known as the 14th Street Transit and Truck Priority Pilot Project, this initiative garnered international attention due to its remarkable success. Bus speeds increased by up to 24%, and bus ridership surged by as much as 30% during the pilot phase. These impressive results underscored the busway’s positive impact on public transportation efficiency and usage along the 14th Street corridor.
NYC DOT initiated the pilot project on October 3, 2019, coinciding with the launch of the M14A/D Select Bus Service on July 1, 2019. Serving approximately 28,000 daily M14 riders, the project strategically combines dedicated bus lanes and prioritized access blocks between 9th Avenue and 1st Avenue. This combination ensures consistent bus priority across a significant stretch of 14th Street, contributing to the improved commute times and reliability for bus passengers.
Community Outreach and Resources for 14th Street Busway
The development and implementation of the 14th Street Busway involved significant community engagement.
Monitoring Reports and Surveys
Independent assessments, such as the monitoring report and online survey conducted by Sam Schwartz Engineering, are available to review the impact of the 14th Street Transit & Truck Priority Pilot Project. These resources offer data-driven insights into the busway’s performance and effects on the community. Independent monitoring report and online survey of the 14th Street Transit & Truck Priority Pilot Project by Sam Schwartz Engineering
Stakeholder Engagement
Community groups and local stakeholders played a vital role in shaping the 14th Street Transit and Truck Priority Pilot Project and the M14A/D SBS planning process. NYC DOT and MTA actively engaged with these groups through presentations and feedback sessions, ensuring community voices were heard throughout the planning and implementation phases.
Informational Brochure
For a concise overview of the busway rules, the 14th Street Busway Brochure (updated October 2019) provides a handy reference guide. 14th Street Busway Brochure (pdf updated October 2019)
Frequently Asked Questions About 14th Street Busway Usage
To further clarify the rules of the 14th Street Busway, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: Where are passenger drop-off and pick-up points located on 14th Street?
A: Passenger drop-offs and pick-ups are permitted anywhere along the 14th Street corridor. However, drivers are responsible for adhering to all traffic regulations. For efficiency, arranging pick-up or drop-off on a nearby avenue might be quicker in certain situations.
Q: What is the reason behind the ban on left turns from 14th Street?
A: The prohibition of left turns is a safety and efficiency measure. Left turns can cause delays for buses stuck behind turning vehicles and are statistically more dangerous for pedestrians. Eliminating left turns enhances both bus flow and pedestrian safety.
Q: Why are trucks allowed to use the 14th Street Busway?
A: 14th Street is officially designated as a truck route. Allowing trucks on the busway helps to manage truck traffic by directing it to a major thoroughfare and away from smaller side streets, which are less equipped to handle heavy truck traffic.
Q: How are “trucks” defined for the 14th Street Busway regulations?
A: For the purpose of these regulations, a truck is defined as any vehicle with more than two axles or a vehicle with six or more wheels. This definition encompasses larger commercial vehicles that typically utilize designated truck routes.
Q: Where are commercial loading zones located on 14th Street?
A: Short-term commercial loading zones are available along 14th Street every day from 6 am to 10 pm. These zones are metered Monday through Saturday, providing dedicated spaces for commercial vehicles to load and unload goods during business hours.
Q: How is the 14th Street Busway enforced to ensure compliance?
A: Enforcement of the 14th Street Busway regulations relies on automated cameras strategically placed along 14th Street. These cameras monitor vehicle usage and identify violations. Additionally, NYPD traffic enforcement agents are authorized to issue summonses for violations, providing a multi-layered enforcement approach.
Q: How are general curb regulations enforced on 14th Street?
A: General curb regulations, such as parking restrictions, are enforced by NYPD traffic enforcement agents. It’s important to note that automated cameras are specifically used for bus lane enforcement and not for general curb regulation violations.
Contact Information for 14th Street Busway and M14 Bus Service
The Select Bus Service is a collaborative project between NYC DOT and MTA New York City Transit (NYCT). While NYCT operates the M14A/D Select Bus Service, both agencies are involved in the overall busway initiative.
For inquiries or feedback specifically regarding the M14A/D Select Bus Service, including bus schedules, fare payment systems, fare enforcement, or general MTA-related matters (like MetroCards or subway issues), please contact the MTA directly through their online platform or by calling 511. contact the MTA online or call 511.
For transportation-related problems, comments, or questions concerning the 14th Street Busway itself, please reach out to the Commissioner of NYC DOT via their online contact form or by sending a letter. contact the Commissioner online
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, all users can contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the 14th Street Busway, ensuring better transit for everyone.
