NEW YORK CITY – Commuters and residents of Manhattan’s Upper West and Upper East Sides are poised to see significant improvements in their daily transit as the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has commenced a comprehensive redesign of 96th Street. This vital crosstown thoroughfare, stretching from West End Avenue to Second Avenue, is slated for a major overhaul that prioritizes bus travel and pedestrian safety. The project, now underway, promises to alleviate congestion and enhance the commute for thousands who rely on the M96 and M106 bus routes.
The centerpiece of this redesign is the introduction of offset bus lanes in both directions. These dedicated lanes are strategically designed to minimize disruptions from parked vehicles, a common obstacle for buses navigating the busy city streets. Complementing the bus lanes, the plan includes the creation of left-turn bays at key intersections. These bays are intended to streamline traffic flow by separating turning vehicles from through traffic, contributing to a smoother and safer driving environment for all. Furthermore, the project incorporates traffic calming measures aimed at reducing driver speeds, particularly at turning points, further enhancing pedestrian safety.
Image depicting the planned construction for 96th Street in Manhattan, showcasing the before-and-after of the street’s design to enhance bus and pedestrian flow.
This ambitious project will introduce 1.7 miles of new bus lanes along 96th Street, benefiting the 15,500 daily riders who utilize the M96 and M106 bus routes. These routes are critical arteries for crosstown travel in Manhattan, often experiencing sluggish speeds, especially during peak hours. Currently, bus speeds can plummet to as low as 4 mph, making commutes lengthy and unreliable. The redesign aims to tackle this issue head-on, making public transportation a more appealing and efficient option for New Yorkers.
“Implementing bus lanes is a highly effective strategy to accelerate bus service, and the introduction of these lanes on 96th Street will directly translate to reduced wait times and enhanced service reliability for the 15,500 individuals who depend on these routes daily. These upgrades are about making commutes faster, more dependable, and safer for everyone,” stated NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. He further emphasized the broader impact, “By investing in improved bus and pedestrian infrastructure, we are committed to ensuring that Manhattan commuters can reach their destinations more swiftly and securely. Bus riders deserve a dependable service that allows them to spend less time commuting and more time on what truly matters to them.”
Interim President of NYC Transit, Demetrius Crichlow, echoed this sentiment, stating, “As we expand the network of bus lanes across all neighborhoods, bus riders will experience the tangible benefits of quicker commutes and fewer delays caused by traffic congestion. Thanks to the collaborative efforts with DOT, 96th Street is soon to benefit from offset bus lanes, significantly improving the efficiency of travel for Upper Manhattan residents.”
The necessity for these improvements on West 96th Street is underscored by the demographics of the area. A significant majority of residents in the 96th Street corridor rely on public transportation, walking, or cycling for their daily commutes, with 68 percent opting for these modes. Furthermore, a substantial 74 percent of households in the vicinity do not have access to a private vehicle. The M96 and M106 bus routes are among the busiest crosstown routes in Manhattan, ranking third in ridership. This corridor acts as a vital link between the East and West sides, connecting commuters to seven subway lines, 14 additional bus routes, prominent hospitals, Central Park, educational institutions, and numerous other key destinations.
To ensure minimal disruption to curb access, NYC DOT is implementing ‘Neighborhood Loading Zones’ during daytime hours. These zones will facilitate deliveries and service vehicle operations while maintaining the integrity of the bus lanes. Importantly, the design is engineered to maintain the existing traffic flow for all vehicle types, ensuring a balanced approach to street usage.
The bus lanes on West 96th Street will operate around the clock, seven days a week, with a minor exception for the eastbound curbside lane between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue, where enforcement will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. This near-constant availability of dedicated bus lanes will enable buses to operate more efficiently, minimizing lane blockage and enhancing overall service consistency. The addition of left turn bays at intersections will further contribute to smoother traffic movement. These bays, combined with hardened centerlines, will also play a crucial role in traffic calming, reducing potential conflicts between vehicles turning and those proceeding straight, thus bolstering safety for all road users.
In addition to bus lanes and traffic flow improvements, the project includes the lengthening of bus stops along 96th Street. This enhancement is designed to allow multiple buses, specifically the M96 and M106, to utilize the stop simultaneously. This will reduce delays caused by buses waiting to access stops and improve overall accessibility for passengers. Riders will benefit from increased space for waiting, boarding, and exiting, while buses will no longer impede traffic flow while waiting to pull into stops.
Advocacy groups have voiced strong support for the 96th Street redesign. Jolyse Race, Senior Organizer for Riders Alliance, stated, “Bus lanes and busways are essential for creating fairer and safer streets in New York City for everyone. DOT’s redesign of 96th Street, prioritizing bus riders and valuing their time, will benefit 15,000 New Yorkers with faster, more reliable service. Offset bus lanes are a proven method to improve rider mobility and ensure a more equitable and efficient utilization of our limited public space.”
Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans, added, “The vast majority of individuals using 96th Street are not drivers of private vehicles – they are bus riders, pedestrians, and cyclists. These enhancements on 96th Street will significantly improve their daily experiences. Bus lanes not only expedite bus service but also mitigate the chaos and congestion that compromises safety and frustrates everyone. The inclusion of loading zones further enhances the project’s overall contribution to improved livability. We commend DOT for undertaking this highly beneficial project.”
Elizabeth Adams, Interim Co-Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, also lauded the initiative, stating, “Dedicated bus lanes are a demonstrated solution for accelerating bus speeds in a city known for some of the slowest buses in the nation. We commend the New York City Department of Transportation for bringing bus lanes to this critical crosstown route. This project will provide a significant boost to over 15,000 daily bus riders along 96th Street, allowing them to spend less time commuting and more time at their intended destinations. Projects like this serve as a model for expanding bus ridership throughout New York City, empowering New Yorkers to choose sustainable, high-quality transportation options. We eagerly anticipate joining DOT at future bus lane groundbreaking events across the city.”
Construction on the 96th Street redesign is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year, with anticipated completion in late 2024. The improvements promise to transform the commuting experience along West 96th Street, making it faster, safer, and more reliable for bus riders and pedestrians alike.
