Why Isn’t the 34th Street Bus Using the Empty Bus Lane?

Despite dedicated bus lanes to speed up transit, the reality on 34th Street tells a different story.

At various times of day, the express bus lane on 34th Street is completely open — yet buses are often stuck behind general traffic in regular lanes. This not only slows down service but defeats the very purpose of having a dedicated transit corridor. If buses simply used the lane designed for them, speeds and efficiency would drastically improve for thousands of daily riders.

For example, on July 23rd, 2025, at 3:45 PM, footage taken from the northeast corner of 34th Street and 1st Avenue shows a 34th Street bus trailing behind a long line of cars while the designated bus lane sat entirely empty. This is a clear and avoidable delay.

This is precisely why the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association is calling for a comprehensive and data-driven traffic study of the corridor. Before any drastic changes are proposed — such as converting 34th Street into a full-time busway — the city must evaluate why the current rules aren’t being enforced or followed.

The MHNA is not against progress — it’s advocating for smarter solutions that improve traffic for everyone. A proper study would help:

• Identify why buses aren’t consistently using the bus lanes.
• Understand what enforcement and signage improvements are needed.
• Optimize traffic flow for both transit riders and local residents.
• Avoid unnecessary and disruptive changes based on incomplete data.

Good policy starts with good data. Let’s make sure 34th Street’s future is shaped by facts, not assumptions — and that we’re improving mobility with common-sense steps that start with using what’s already there.