New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reminds drivers that starting from July 18th (Friday), the Manhattan M2 and M4 bus routes will officially utilize the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) system, which uses onboard automatic cameras to issue fines for vehicles illegally occupying bus lanes, stops, or double-parking. The fine for first-time offenders is $50, with repeat violations punishable up to a maximum of $250.
The addition of these two routes brings the total number of bus routes covered by ACE enforcement in the city to 39, deployed on over 1,200 buses, covering 510 miles of roadway, serving approximately 775,000 passengers daily. The M2 and M4 bus routes run north-south through Manhattan, with bus lanes along Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, Broadway, and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Harlem.
MTA reports that the overall average bus speed has increased by 5% since the installation of the automated camera enforcement equipment, with some sections experiencing a significant 30% speed increase. Additionally, there has been a 20% decrease in the accident rate, and emissions have been estimated to reduce by 5% to 10%. Instances of vehicles blocking bus stops have also decreased by 40%. Only 9% of fined drivers are repeat offenders exceeding two violations.
The ACE system is a collaborative effort between MTA, New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), and New York City Department of Finance (NYCDOF). When a vehicle violates traffic regulations, the cameras mounted on buses automatically capture videos and images, recording license plate numbers, violation locations, and times, which are then transmitted to city officials for review and ticketing.
MTA highlights that July marks the one-year anniversary of the expanded implementation of the ACE program. Since June 2024, enforcement has broadened from solely targeting bus lanes to include vehicles obstructing stops and double-parked vehicles. This policy aids in ensuring smooth boarding and alighting for passengers, particularly benefiting individuals with mobility impairments.
All sections where the ACE system is active are marked with signage alerting drivers to the camera enforcement on the route. For further information, individuals can visit the MTA official website: mta.info/ace.