The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) activated the warning period for Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) on 10 new bus routes across the city starting on Monday, Sept. 16.
The program aims to reduce illegal parking and improve traffic flow by issuing warning notices to vehicles blocking bus stops or double parked for an initial 60 days, followed by fines, according to a press release.
The first set of routes receiving warning notices includes the Bx35, B35, B41, B42, Bx28, and Bx38 bus lines in Brooklyn. The second phase, starting Sept. 30, will include the B82, B25, Bx6, and B26.
Summonses will begin at $50 for a first violation and escalate to $250 for repeat offenses.
Once enforcement cameras are activated, bus lane speeds are expected to improve by 5%, collisions reduced by 20%, and emissions to drop by 5% to 10%, according to the MTA. Notably, only 9% of drivers commit a second violation after receiving a fine, the transit agency said.
The ACE program is being implemented in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and the New York City Department of Finance (NYCDOF).
