Manhattan’s 14th Street is a vital artery connecting neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Union Square, and the Meatpacking District. The 14th Street Busway is strategically designed to enhance the movement of people and goods efficiently and safely, while ensuring accessibility for all road users. Understanding the regulations is crucial, especially for operators of Street Trucks and commercial vehicles.
Every day, from 6 AM to 10 PM, specific traffic rules are in effect on 14th Street between 3rd and 9th Avenues. During these hours, through traffic is prioritized for buses, street trucks, and emergency vehicles. Other vehicles are permitted for local access to businesses, residences, and garages, but must make the next available right turn to maintain the flow. Outside of these peak hours, from 10 PM to 6 AM, 14th Street is open to all vehicles for through travel.
Understanding 14th Street Busway Hours and Regulations for Street Trucks
To effectively utilize 14th Street, especially if you are operating street trucks or commercial vehicles, it’s important to understand the specific time-based regulations:
6 AM to 10 PM: Bus and Truck Priority
- Designated Through Traffic: During these hours, only buses and street trucks are allowed to travel straight through on 14th Street between 9th and 3rd Avenues. This is to ensure efficient movement for mass transit and essential commercial transport.
- Local Access for Other Vehicles: All other vehicle types can still access locations along 14th Street for pickups, drop-offs, and deliveries. However, these vehicles must make a right turn at the next available intersection to prevent congestion and maintain bus and street truck flow.
- Commercial Loading Zones: For street trucks and other commercial vehicles needing to load or unload goods, short-term metered loading zones are available. These are specifically designed to facilitate commercial activity without disrupting traffic flow.
- Passenger Vehicle Access: Passenger vehicles are permitted for drop-off and pick-up activities along the entire 14th Street corridor. However, through travel is restricted during busway hours.
10 PM to 6 AM: Open to All Vehicles
- Unrestricted Through Travel: Outside of the busway hours, all vehicle types, including street trucks, passenger cars, and others, can use 14th Street for through travel. This accommodates traffic needs during off-peak hours.
- Expedited Loading and Unloading: Even during these unrestricted hours, “No Parking” regulations are in place to facilitate quick loading and unloading activities. This is beneficial for businesses and street truck operations needing to work overnight or early morning.
Regulations at All Times
- No Left Turns: To improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, left turns off of 14th Street are prohibited for all vehicles at all times, except for MTA buses at designated locations. This rule is critical for maintaining the efficiency of the busway and reducing accident risks.
For a detailed visual guide, refer to the 14th Street Busway Map (pdf). This map provides a clear overview of access points and regulations for navigating the busway, particularly useful for street truck drivers planning routes.
The Successful Implementation of the 14th Street Busway
The 14th Street Busway’s permanent implementation in June 2020 followed a highly successful pilot program. This initiative, initially known as the 14th Street Transit and Truck Priority Pilot Project, garnered international recognition for its significant improvements to public transportation and urban mobility.
The pilot project demonstrated impressive results, including a 24% increase in bus speeds and a 30% rise in ridership. Launched in coordination with the M14A/D Select Bus Service on October 3, 2019, the project aimed to enhance bus service reliability and speed. Serving approximately 28,000 daily M14 riders, the busway utilizes a combination of exclusive access and standard bus lanes from 9th Avenue to 1st Avenue to prioritize bus transit. The integration of street trucks into this priority system acknowledges their essential role in the city’s economy and logistics.
Further information on the busway’s development and impact can be found in these resources:
- Better Buses Restart: Mayor de Blasio Announces Major Projects to Speed Buses During City’s Phased Reopening (June 4, 2020)
- Mayor de Blasio Releases First 14th Street Busway Report (December 18, 2019)
- NYC DOT and MTA NYC Transit Continue Successful Rollout of 14th Street Transit Priority with New Bus Boarding Platforms and Sidewalk Widening (November 6, 2019)
- Mayor de Blasio Announces that 14th Street Busway Takes Effect Today (October 3, 2019)
- Statements from Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Trottenberg on 14th Street Busway (September 27, 2019)
- Mayor de Blasio Announces Project to Get New Yorkers Moving on 14th Street (April 24, 2019)
Community Engagement and Resources
The 14th Street Busway project involved significant community outreach to ensure it met the needs of residents and businesses.
Monitoring and Feedback
An independent monitoring report and online survey were conducted by Sam Schwartz Engineering to assess the 14th Street Transit & Truck Priority Pilot Project. This report is available at http://samschwartz.com/14th-st-busway/.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Community groups and local stakeholders played a crucial role in shaping the 14th Street Transit and Truck Priority Pilot Project and the M14A/D SBS planning. The NYC DOT and MTA actively engaged with these groups, presenting information and gathering feedback throughout the planning and implementation phases.
Informational Brochure
For a concise overview of the busway regulations, the 14th Street Busway Brochure (pdf updated October 2019) is a valuable resource.
Frequently Asked Questions for Street Truck Operators
For street truck operators and other drivers, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using the 14th Street Busway:
Where can passengers be dropped off or picked up?
Passenger pick-ups and drop-offs are permitted along the entire 14th Street corridor. Drivers should adhere to all traffic regulations. For convenience, especially during busway hours, arranging pick-up or drop-off on adjacent avenues might be faster.
Why are left turns prohibited?
The ban on left turns is implemented to prevent buses and street trucks from being delayed behind turning vehicles. It also significantly enhances pedestrian safety, as left turns are statistically associated with a higher incidence of pedestrian accidents.
Why are street trucks allowed on the busway?
14th Street is officially designated as a truck route. Allowing street trucks to use the busway helps to manage and concentrate truck traffic on major thoroughfares, thereby reducing truck traffic on smaller side streets and residential areas.
What types of vehicles are classified as street trucks?
A street truck is defined as any vehicle with more than two axles or six or more wheels. This definition is important for compliance with busway regulations.
Where is commercial loading permitted?
Designated short-term loading zones are available along 14th Street every day from 6 AM to 10 PM. These zones are metered and in effect Monday to Saturday to manage curb space effectively for commercial activities.
How is the busway enforced?
Enforcement of busway regulations is carried out using automated cameras positioned along 14th Street. NYPD traffic agents also patrol the area and may issue summonses for violations.
How are curb regulations enforced?
Curb regulations are enforced by NYPD traffic agents. It’s important to note that while automated cameras are used for bus lane enforcement, other curb violations are typically addressed by traffic officers.
Contact Information
The Select Bus Service project is a collaborative effort between NYC DOT and MTA New York City Transit (NYCT). For inquiries related to the M14A/D Select Bus Service, including bus schedules, fare information, or general MTA services, please visit MTA online contact or call 511.
For transportation-related questions, comments, or concerns specifically about the 14th Street Busway, please contact the Commissioner of NYC DOT through the online contact form or by mail.
