Page 28 - The Indian EYE 052226

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 22, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

Mamdani Administration Expands Bus and

Street Safety Overhaul with Major Lexington

Avenue and Queens Transit Upgrades

NEERAJ DHAR scribe as barely faster than walking in ciency. The project is part of a wider ternatives said the project is part of
some sections. citywide effort that also includes up- a broader push to reclaim Midtown
New York, NY
“New Yorkers deserve buses that grades on Flatbush Avenue in Brook- streets for more efficient and equita-
ayor Zohran Kwame Mam- move quickly and reliably, not buses lyn and Madison Avenue in Manhat- ble transit use.
dani and New York City stuck in traffic because someone de- tan, with Fordham Road in the Bronx The Lexington Avenue work
MDepartment of Transpor- cided to treat a bus lane like a parking slated for redesign later this year. comes alongside parallel transit im-
tation (NYC DOT) Commissioner spot,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Offset City officials say the improve- provements in Queens, where the
Mike Flynn have launched a sweep- bus lanes work because they keep ments are critical to modernizing bus administration has announced a new
ing series of street redesign projects lanes clear and buses moving. This is service in a system where congestion dedicated bus lane along Broadway
aimed at improving bus reliability, exactly the kind of small-but-mighty and curb violations have long un- in Jackson Heights to serve the Q70-
reducing congestion, and expanding fix that makes life better for working dermined reliability. Deputy May- SBS route connecting LaGuardia
pedestrian and cyclist safety across people across our city.” or for Operations Julia Kerson said Airport to subway and rail networks.
Manhattan and Queens, marking The redesign follows a previously the initiative reflects a broader focus That corridor currently sees bus-
one of the administration’s most ag- completed 2019 upgrade on Lexing- on making everyday transportation es crawling at speeds as low as 2.7
gressive transit-focused infrastructure ton Avenue from 96th Street to 60th more functional. “This project will miles per hour during peak evening
pushes to date. Street, which city data shows pro- benefit tens of thousands of riders hours — slower than walking. The
The latest phase of work has duced a 26% increase in bus speeds who rely on Lexington Avenue to get new center-running eastbound bus
begun on Lexington Avenue, where and a 35% reduction in pedestrian to work, see family and enjoy all our lane between 69th Street and Roos-
eight blocks between 60th Street and injuries after converting curbside city has to offer,” she said. evelt Avenue is designed to address
52nd Street will see existing curb- lanes into offset bus lanes. Support from local officials has that bottleneck ahead of the 2026
side bus lanes replaced with offset NYC DOT Commissioner Mike been strong. Manhattan Borough FIFA World Cup, which is expected
bus lanes. The redesign is intended Flynn said the current expansion President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said to significantly increase regional trav-
to eliminate chronic lane-blocking builds on those results. “The exist- the upgrades will help reduce chronic el demand.
caused by double parking, deliver- ing curbside lanes are often blocked, delays that disproportionately affect Mayor Mamdani said the
ies, and ride-hail pickups, which of- leading to bus speeds that are only working commuters. Council Mem- Queens project is intended to serve
ficials say have slowed buses on one slightly faster than walking for more ber Virginia Maloney called buses both short-term event travel and
of Manhattan’s busiest north-south than 70,000 riders each day,” he said. “the most convenient and accessible long-term commuter needs. “Arriv-
corridors. “We’ve seen these upgrades work be- way to travel” for many residents, ing in New York City should be fast,
The Lexington Avenue stretch fore — they improve service, safety, particularly seniors. affordable and reliable all year round
serves roughly 71,000 daily riders and reliability.” Advocacy groups also praised the — not just during major events,” he
across eight bus routes connecting Under the new configuration, changes. Danny Pearlstein of Riders said. “This new bus lane will help
the Bronx, Staten Island, and Man- Lexington Avenue will feature two Alliance said the redesign prioritiz- welcome visitors from around the
hattan. During peak hours, buses on parking lanes, one offset bus lane, es “economic justice,” arguing that world while delivering faster com-
the corridor currently average just 5 and two general traffic lanes, balanc- faster buses help reduce inequality in mutes every day for working-class
miles per hour — a pace officials de- ing vehicle access with transit effi- commute times. Transportation Al- New Yorkers.”

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