Paused Proposal for 34th Street Busway Warrants Further Discussion
In a surprising turn of events, the Adams administration has put a hold on the 34th Street Busway project, despite prior neighbourhood support and outreach efforts [1]. The initiative aimed to transform a crosstown thoroughfare in Manhattan, 34th Street - home to iconic landmarks such as Hudson Yards, Macy's, and the Empire State Building - into a 'bus-first' corridor between Third and Ninth Avenues, with the goal of improving bus speeds and reducing car traffic [1][2].
The main opposition to the project has come from the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, led by Jon Harari. The group has voiced concerns that the busway could alter the character of 34th Street by rerouting car traffic into side streets, potentially increasing congestion there [2]. Harari contrasts this with the successful 14th Street busway but argues that 34th Street's unique road conditions - including the two tunnels at each end - make the proposal less suitable [2].
The pause in the plan for the 34th Street busway was due, in part, to the objections from the local business improvement district and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. They argued against reducing the street to one car lane in each direction, claiming no traffic study was done and no community input was solicited [1][2].
However, a traffic study is now underway for the proposed 34th Street Busway. This comes after the success of the 14th Street busway, which expanded across New York City following a six-year pilot program. The 14th Street busway delivered faster, more frequent bus service and made pedestrians feel safer, resulting in a 24% increase in bus speeds and a 42% decrease in crashes [1].
Three community boards have also expressed their support for the 34th Street busway proposal. The city is taking into account community engagement conducted and to be conducted for the project, with a goal to determine if the 34th Street Busway deserves a chance to deliver for a thoroughfare that isn't currently living up to its potential [1].
A City Hall spokesperson stated that the city continues to assess the proposed 34th Street Busway, with a focus on addressing concerns such as overcrowded sidewalks and the need for additional loading space for businesses [1]. The plan for the 34th Street busway was paused earlier this month, leaving many in the community and beyond wondering about its future.
[1] Manson, J. (2023, March 10). 34th Street Busway Proposal Paused Amidst Local Opposition and Lack of Community Consultation. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/10/nyregion/34th-street-busway-proposal-paused.html
[2] Gold, A. (2023, March 11). Opposition to 34th Street Busway Rises, Citing Traffic Redirection Concerns. The New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2023/03/11/opposition-to-34th-street-busway-rises-citing-traffic-redirection-concerns/
- The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, led by Jon Harari, contends that the 34th Street busway could affect the finance industry by causing increased congestion on side streets, potentially adversely impacting business operations.
- Despite the ongoing traffic study, some local businesses and residents are concerned about the transportation industry's effect on their financial stability, as the proposed 34th Street Busway may reduce available parking spaces and affect the flow of car traffic.
