34th Street in New York City is more than just a thoroughfare; it’s a vital artery pumping life into the heart of Midtown Manhattan. From the bustling 34th Street Ferry Terminal on the East River to the expansive Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on the West Side, this iconic street is a microcosm of the city itself – dynamic, crowded, and constantly evolving. However, for years, 34th Street struggled with crippling traffic congestion, particularly impacting public transportation and pedestrian flow. The introduction of the 34th Street Select Bus Service (SBS), encompassing the M34 and M34A bus lines, marked a significant step towards addressing these challenges and transforming the commuting experience along this crucial corridor.
Prior to the Select Bus Service initiative, navigating 34th Street by bus was an exercise in patience. The M16 and M34 lines, the predecessors to the current SBS, carried over 17,000 daily passengers but crawled at a sluggish average speed of just 4.5 miles per hour – barely faster than walking pace. This frustratingly slow service was a consequence of the sheer volume of traffic. Over 100 transit buses per hour, coupled with a constant stream of commuter and tour buses, choked the street, particularly during peak hours. Adding to the complexity, 34th Street serves as a critical access point for major destinations like the Javits Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, and the ever-busy Penn Station, further amplifying traffic woes.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and New York City Transit (NYCT) embarked on the 34th Street Select Bus Service project. This ambitious undertaking wasn’t just about speeding up buses; it was a holistic approach to revitalize the entire 34th Street corridor. By engaging with local residents and businesses, the project aimed to create a more efficient, safer, and accessible 34th Street for everyone. The goals were clear: alleviate traffic congestion, accelerate bus travel times, enhance pedestrian safety, and optimize curb access for businesses and residents along this vital NYC street.
Transforming 34th Street: Phased Improvements for Faster Buses and Safer Streets
The 34th Street Select Bus Service project was strategically divided into three sections – West, Middle, and East – to manage the complex construction and implementation process effectively and minimize disruption along this heavily trafficked NYC street. Each section targeted specific improvements tailored to the unique challenges of that area.
West Section: From the Hudson River to Eighth Avenue
The West Section of 34th Street, stretching from Twelfth Avenue to mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues, saw significant upgrades focused on bus priority and pedestrian enhancements. Key improvements included the installation of six bus bulbs – sidewalk extensions that allow buses to pick up and drop off passengers without pulling out of the traffic lane – along with repaving and restriping the street to create dedicated bus lanes and optimized loading zones.
By the close of 2014, substantial progress had been made in this section of 34th Street. Five of the six planned bus bulbs were completed, with three already operational. Paving and striping work was also finished, clearly delineating the new bus lanes and improving traffic flow. However, the planned bus bulb at Eighth Avenue NW faced a temporary setback due to scaffolding obstructing the construction site in front of the New Yorker Hotel. This final bulb was slated for completion once the scaffolding was removed, ensuring consistent improvements across the entire West Section. Notably, the two bus bulbs situated between Eleventh and Tenth Avenues were integrated into the larger Hudson Yards park and boulevard project, managed by the Hudson Yards Development Corporation. These bulbs were designed to open for service in conjunction with the completion of the broader Hudson Yards development, further enhancing the connectivity of this rapidly evolving area of 34th Street Nyc.
Middle Section: Midtown Core from Eighth Avenue to Lexington Avenue
The Middle Section of 34th Street, encompassing the area between mid-block Eighth/Seventh Avenues and Lexington Avenue, represented the project’s core focus within the bustling Midtown Manhattan area. This section, managed by MTA New York City Transit, also received four bus bulbs, repaving, restriping, dedicated bus lanes, and strategically placed loading zones to streamline traffic and improve bus speeds.
Construction in the Middle Section was actively underway and projected to be completed in 2015. These improvements were crucial to alleviating congestion in the heart of 34th Street, a notoriously busy stretch known for its heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The bus bulbs in this section were designed to minimize bus dwell time at stops, while the dedicated bus lanes aimed to provide a clear path for buses, bypassing general traffic congestion and ensuring more reliable service for commuters and visitors navigating 34th Street NYC.
East Section: Connecting to the FDR Drive and Beyond
The East Section of the 34th Street Select Bus Service project extended from Lexington Avenue to the FDR Drive Service Road, connecting Midtown Manhattan to the East River and beyond. Construction in this section commenced in Spring 2014 and was overseen by the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). This phase was the most extensive, with an anticipated construction duration of 30 months, reflecting the complexity of the infrastructure upgrades required.
The East Section improvements began with essential underground infrastructure work, including the installation of a new sewer system and a distribution water main between First and Third Avenues. This critical utility work was linked to the larger City Water Tunnel No. 3 project, highlighting the coordinated infrastructure upgrades taking place across NYC. Following the sewer and water main work, the East Section was slated to receive three bus bulbs, repaving and restriping for bus lanes, and designated loading zones, mirroring the improvements in the West and Middle sections. The DDC committed to providing ongoing updates and detailed schedules to the community as construction progressed, ensuring transparency and minimizing disruption for residents and businesses along this eastern stretch of 34th Street.
Design and Analysis: Data-Driven Improvements for 34th Street
The design of the 34th Street Select Bus Service was not based on guesswork but on a thorough and rigorous analysis of traffic patterns, transit needs, and curbside access requirements along the corridor. The DOT’s approach was data-driven, informed by extensive community outreach and detailed traffic modeling, ensuring that the final design effectively addressed the specific challenges of 34th Street NYC.
Traffic Analysis: Understanding Congestion on 34th Street
A comprehensive traffic analysis was a cornerstone of the 34th Street SBS project. The DOT meticulously analyzed traffic flow not only on 34th Street itself but also on surrounding streets to understand the broader traffic network and potential impacts of the proposed changes. The findings of this in-depth analysis were presented to the public in September and October 2011, demonstrating the project’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.
The traffic analysis projected that, even with the implementation of the Select Bus Service, overall traffic congestion on 34th Street would remain roughly the same. However, the crucial difference was the anticipated improvement in bus speed and reliability. By prioritizing bus movement through dedicated lanes and bus bulbs, the project aimed to significantly enhance the public transit experience without negatively impacting general traffic flow. This balance was key to gaining community support and ensuring the project’s long-term success in improving transportation along 34th Street NYC.
Alternatives Analysis: Exploring Options for Transit Improvement
The specific set of improvements implemented through the 34th Street Select Bus Service was not arbitrarily chosen. It was the result of the 34th Street Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis study, a systematic evaluation of various options for enhancing transit service along the corridor. This study considered a range of potential solutions, weighing their feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact on traffic, pedestrians, and the overall urban environment of 34th Street. The chosen Select Bus Service design emerged as the most effective and practical approach to address the identified challenges and achieve the project’s goals.
Community Engagement: Shaping the Future of 34th Street Together
From its inception, community involvement was, and continues to be, a central tenet of the 34th Street Select Bus Service project. The DOT and NYCT recognized that successful implementation required the active participation and feedback of those who live, work, and travel along 34th Street. To ensure this, they established a Community Advisory Committee, held public forums, and proactively engaged with key stakeholders throughout the project planning and implementation phases.
Community Advisory Committee: Guidance from Local Voices
The DOT and NYCT convened a dedicated Community Advisory Committee to provide ongoing guidance and input for the 34th Street Select Bus Service project. This committee played a vital role throughout the project planning phase, acting as a sounding board and a conduit for community perspectives. Comprised of a diverse range of stakeholders, including elected officials, representatives from Community Boards, local community groups, and major area institutions, the committee ensured that a wide spectrum of voices were heard and considered in the project’s development.
The Community Advisory Committee met regularly, providing a platform for open dialogue, information sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Meeting dates included: June 15, 2010; September 21, 2010; January 18, 2011; March 14, 2011; September 27, 2011; and March 28, 2012. These meetings were instrumental in shaping the project’s design and implementation, reflecting the DOT and NYCT’s commitment to a community-driven approach to improving 34th Street NYC.
Community Board Meetings: Presentations and Feedback
In addition to the Community Advisory Committee, the DOT and NYCT regularly presented project updates and sought feedback from Manhattan Community Boards 4, 5, and 6, the local governing bodies representing the neighborhoods along 34th Street. These presentations provided another avenue for public input and ensured that the project remained responsive to local concerns and priorities.
Community Board 4: Presentations were made to the Transportation Committee on April 16 and December 17, 2009, and again on April 18, 2012. Community Board 5: Meetings took place on April 21, 2008; March 31, 2010; and June 21, 2010, including presentations to the Transportation Committee and reviews of next steps. A further meeting was held on September 15, 2010. Community Board 6: Presentations to the full board occurred on May 5, 2008; May 3, 2010; January 3, 2011; November 7, 2011; and May 7, 2012. These consistent engagements with Community Boards underscore the project’s dedication to incorporating local perspectives into the transformation of 34th Street.
Public Open Houses: Direct Engagement with the Community
To further broaden community engagement, the DOT and NYCT hosted a series of public open houses at key points throughout the project’s lifecycle. These open houses provided a less formal setting for members of the public to interact directly with project principals, review preliminary design plans for 34th Street, and offer comments and feedback. The open house format facilitated one-on-one conversations and allowed for more detailed explanations and clarifications, fostering a deeper understanding of the project and its objectives within the community. Five open houses were held in total, demonstrating the sustained effort to engage the wider public in shaping the 34th Street Select Bus Service initiative.
Community Forums on Curbside Access: Addressing Local Needs
Recognizing the critical importance of curbside access for businesses, residents, and building operations along 34th Street, the DOT and NYCT hosted a series of dedicated forums in October and November 2010. These forums were specifically designed to gather detailed information about block-by-block curb use needs. Building owners, managers, residents, and businesses along 34th Street were invited to learn about the project and provide specific input on their individual curb use requirements.
For stakeholders unable to attend the forums, the DOT and NYCT also provided an online survey to collect curb use information, maximizing accessibility and participation. Furthermore, direct outreach to building owners and managers was undertaken to ensure a comprehensive understanding of specific curb access needs. This meticulous approach to understanding and addressing curbside access concerns highlights the project’s commitment to minimizing negative impacts and optimizing the benefits of the 34th Street Select Bus Service for all stakeholders.
Community Feedback Summary: Responding to Public Input
The DOT and NYCT went beyond simply collecting community feedback; they actively responded to it. In addition to the meetings and forums, they engaged in numerous discussions with project stakeholders, including local elected officials, building owners, and community groups, to solicit further input and address specific concerns. A comprehensive report summarizing the comments, questions, and suggestions received from community residents, business and building owners, local organizations, elected officials, and others was compiled and made publicly available. This report Read the report demonstrates the project’s responsiveness to community input and its commitment to transparency throughout the planning and implementation process.
Environmental Review: Ensuring Responsible Development on 34th Street
As a recipient of federal funding, the 34th Street Select Bus Service project was subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and underwent a rigorous federal environmental review. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) oversaw this review, initially directing the DOT to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA). An EA is a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a project will have significant environmental impacts, examining a wide range of environmental, social, and economic factors. NEPA regulations require agencies proposing projects to release EAs for public review and comment.
However, following further review in Fall 2011, the FTA determined that the 34th Street Select Bus Service project qualified for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) instead of a full Environmental Assessment. A CE is issued when a project consists of elements that the agency routinely constructs as part of its normal operations and is deemed to have minimal environmental impact. The FTA’s decision to grant a CE was based on revisions to the project’s scope and design that were directly influenced by community input. The project’s elements, such as sidewalk extensions and offset bus lanes, aligned with standard Select Bus Service components, and the traffic analysis indicated no significant adverse traffic impacts. The FTA officially approved the CE on December 29, 2011, concluding the federal environmental review process. While the CE process does not require a formal environmental review document, the DOT prepared a Project Analysis Report on the 34th Street project, upholding its commitment to public transparency and detailed analysis. This report, while not a formal NEPA or City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) document, followed CEQR Technical Manual methodologies and covered a broad spectrum of topics, including transportation, social, and other environmental impacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the project’s environmental considerations.
Project Timeline: Years of Planning and Implementation on 34th Street
The 34th Street Select Bus Service project was the culmination of years of planning, community engagement, and phased implementation. The timeline below highlights key milestones in the project’s development, showcasing the long-term commitment to improving transportation along this vital NYC street.
2008: Initial meetings with Community Boards and organization of multiple open houses to discuss bus issues on 34th Street. Implementation of extended bus lanes between Ninth Avenue and First Avenue, and upgrading of existing bus lanes between Eleventh Avenue and Ninth Avenue. 2009: Commencement of community discussions and evaluation of alternatives for further improvements along 34th Street. Pilot program for real-time bus arrival information. 2010: Continued community participation efforts by DOT and NYCT, including outreach to residents, business owners, building managers, and institutions to convene community forums. Development of a comprehensive traffic model to analyze potential traffic impacts. Initiation of environmental review and traffic analysis. 2011: Development of a preliminary corridor design based on community feedback. Completion of comprehensive traffic analysis and release of the Project Analysis Report. Convening of the Community Advisory Committee and community forums to present the preliminary design and traffic analysis and solicit feedback. November 13, 2011: Service began, including fare pre-payment, on the M34/M34A Select Bus Service. 2012: Community Advisory Committee convened to discuss proposed curb regulations on 34th Street and the project construction schedule. Completion of final design for the capital elements of the project. Bus bulb construction began at Eleventh Avenue SE (eastbound) and Eleventh Avenue NE (westbound). 2013: Completion of 2012 bus bulbs. Bus bulb construction began at Tenth Avenue SE (eastbound), Ninth Avenue SE (eastbound), Eighth Avenue SE (eastbound), Seventh Avenue SW (eastbound), and Sixth Avenue SE (eastbound). 2014: Completion of Tenth Avenue SE, Ninth Ave SE, and Eighth Avenue SE bus bulbs. Bus bulb construction began at Fifth Avenue SE (eastbound) and Park Avenue NW (westbound). Beginning of DDC water/sewer/bus bulb project from Third Avenue to FDR Service Road. Repaving of road from Twelfth Avenue to mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues. Implementation of offset bus lanes from Eleventh Avenue to mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues. Addition of parking/loading space from Eleventh Avenue to mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues. 2015: Completion of Seventh Avenue SW, Sixth Avenue SE, Fifth Avenue SE, and Park Avenue SW bus bulbs. Repaving of road from mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues to Lexington Avenue. Implementation of offset bus lanes from mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues to Lexington Avenue. Addition of parking/loading space from mid-block between Eighth and Seventh Avenues to Lexington Avenue. 2016: Completion of Eighth Avenue NW (westbound) bulb. Completion of East Section (Lexington Avenue to FDR Service Road) managed by DDC.
The 34th Street Select Bus Service project represents a significant investment in improving public transportation and the overall urban environment on 34th Street NYC. Through careful planning, community collaboration, and phased implementation, this project has transformed a congested and slow-moving corridor into a more efficient, safer, and accessible thoroughfare for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.
