The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has reminded drivers that Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) fines are set to begin on the M2 and M4 bus routes in Manhattan starting today (Friday 18 July).
Any vehicle found improperly using busways and bus lanes, blocking bus stops or illegally double parked will receive fines starting at 50 USD and rise to 250 USD for repeat offenders.
The two new routes added to the programme join the 37 currently enforced, with more than 1,200 buses now equipped with ACE technology, covering a total of 510 miles of routes.
Routes equipped with the automated enforcement technology thus far have seen increases in average speeds of up to 5%, with some corridors experiencing gains up to 30%. The same routes have also seen a 20% reduction in collisions, as well as a 5% to 10% estimated reduction in overall emissions.
There has also been a 40% reduction in bus stops being blocked by other vehicles on ACE routes, with only 9% of drivers committing more than two bus lane violations after receiving an initial fine.
Administered in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and the New York City Department of Finance (NYCDOF) a year ago, the ACE programme uses onboard cameras to capture video and images of license plate information, locations and time stamp details, which are then transferred to NYCDOT for review by City employees before processing.
