The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a transformative center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, stretching from Grand Army Plaza to Livingston Street. This initiative aims to create a high-performing transit priority street that improves connectivity across Brooklyn neighborhoods, moving away from merely serving as a thoroughfare for cars traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
During a recent meeting with the Brooklyn Community Board, DOT officials outlined plans to install the bus lane, along with concrete boarding islands at key transit points such as Atlantic Terminal and subway stations at Park Place and Seventh Avenue. The DOT is optimistic about implementing this project within the year, pending necessary approvals.
The center-running bus lane is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pedestrian crossing distances, and enhance bus service. As noted by Dustin Khuu, DOT Assistant Director of Bus Priority, this infrastructure is modeled after successful designs used in other cities, such as the Edward L. Grant Highway in the Bronx.
However, critical details remain unclear, particularly regarding how to effectively keep cars and trucks out of the bus lane. Current renderings show that curbside parking would remain in parts of the corridor, raising concerns that double-parked vehicles could obstruct bus traffic. Yet, alternative designs have been proposed that eliminate curbside parking, creating a clear path for buses.
Advocates, including Danny Pearlstein, Director of Policy and Communication at Riders Alliance, have expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance the livability of the surrounding neighborhoods. The DOT has indicated that the full details of the plan will be revealed in the fall, with hopes of completing the project by the end of 2025.
If executed as planned, the center-running bus lane could significantly improve the efficiency of the B41 bus line, which currently serves approximately 28,000 passengers per day but often faces delays due to traffic congestion. With an average speed as low as 4 miles per hour during peak hours, the bus lane would provide a dedicated space for buses, improving service reliability.
The timing of this proposal comes as the city has recently implemented congestion pricing, which has already led to a noticeable decrease in the percentage of northbound cars on Flatbush Avenue heading towards Manhattan. DOT officials anticipate that the new bus lane will encourage some drivers to switch to bus transportation, making it a viable alternative.
Despite the enthusiasm from transportation advocates, the project faces political challenges. The plan has previously encountered obstacles under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, with concerns that political influences have stymied progress. Advocates are now calling for strong support from City Hall to ensure the project moves forward without dilution.
As the DOT prepares to finalize the plans, the future of Flatbush Avenue hangs in the balance. If the project is successfully implemented, it could mark a pivotal shift in how transit is prioritized in New York City, ultimately fostering a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly urban environment. All eyes are now on the mayor’s office to see if this ambitious vision will come to fruition.
