Bus lane enforcement expanding in NYC

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11) – The MTA is expanding its bus lane enforcement in New York City, the agency announced Monday.

New cameras that take photos of double-parked cars and cars blocking bus lanes will be installed throughout the city. The MTA made the announcement along 181st Street in Washington Heights.

The new camera can also capture wider angles and more lanes. The enforcement will speed up bus service, NYC Transit Interim President Demetrius Crichlow said.

Tickets for breaking bus lane rules start at $50. A second ticket will cost you $100.

The money from the fines goes to the MTA.

For the next 60 days, drivers will receive warnings about the cameras in the mail.

Previous statistics showed that 90% of drivers who get a bus lane violation from a camera do not receive a second violation, according to the MTA.

The Department of Transportation commissioner detailed the multi-pronged enforcement approach that also includes enforcing traffic violations during Monday's announcement.

Fourteen routes have the new technology, and 32 routes will have it by the end of the year.