Jim.henderson, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced the start of construction on a major redesign of 96th Street from West End to Second Avenue. The project aims to improve bus service with new dedicated bus lanes and pedestrian safety enhancements.
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But as work begins, some local residents and commuters wonder whether this redesign–representative of a growing trend of proposed changes geared towards commuters and pedestrians–will benefit everyone equally, or just a select group of transit users? The proposed and now-real changes have proved to be a scorching hot topic for UWS and UES residents.
According to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, the changes will help 15,500 daily bus riders by speeding up service and making commutes safer along the M96 and M106 bus routes. Construction is expected to be completed “later this year,” according to a press release.
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“Bus lanes reduce wait times and improve service,” Rodriguez said, pointing to the new lanes that will stretch from West End Avenue to Second Avenue. The project includes left-turn bays and traffic-calming measures, which the DOT claims will keep buses running smoothly while improving safety for pedestrians. A press release from the DOT says the M96 and M106 bus services, which both rely on 96th Street, together rank third among Manhattan crosstown bus ridership.
For those who rely on public transportation, the improvements may seem like a win. The DOT statistics show that 74% of households along the 96th Street corridor don’t have access to a private vehicle, and nearly 70% of residents commute via public transit, biking, or walking. Faster, more reliable bus service could mean less time waiting.
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But what about car owners and those who rely on vehicle access? Some worry that the redesign prioritizes buses and pedestrians at the expense of drivers, who may face more traffic congestion or fewer parking options. The new bus lanes will operate 24/7, except for one segment with limited hours, meaning that much of 96th Street will be off-limits to other vehicles. Though the DOT promises the project won’t disrupt traffic flow, the impact on drivers remains to be seen.
While the project clearly aims to improve transit options for a large portion of the population, questions linger about how well it will serve those who still rely on cars for their daily commutes.
Who at DOT is in charge of this project?
Barry. His name is Barry. Just ask for Barry at DOT and he’ll answer all of your questions
What will be done about delivery trucks blocking traffic on south side of 96th east of 3rd Ave? Evidently nothing can be done about the bunching up at 1st Ave approaching FDR.
Why bother asking residents for their input? It doesn’t matter, the DOT ALWAYS ignores residents and goes ahead with their plans, as they always knew they would. Residents from CPW to Columbus Ave met & wrote letters, & even retained a lawyer to fight the change. It was all a waste if time as DOT was NEVER going to consider what the residents wanted & DOT will do whatever it wants, regardless of the residents opinions.