Sep. 22, 2023 By Anthony Medina
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, on Thursday, Sept. 21, announced the activation of more Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) cameras on the B26 bus route serving riders in Brooklyn and Queens.
The B26 bus route travels to Ridgewood Terminal along Halsey Street in Ridgewood and Tillary Street and Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn. The activation of more ABLE cameras along the B26 bus route will begin next week, starting on Monday, Sept. 25, according to the governor’s office.
ABLE cameras capture photos and videos of drivers blocking bus lanes, and the Department of Transportation reviews the footage to distribute fines based on offense severity. The NYCDOT will issue warning notices to drivers for the first 60 days ahead of any distributed fines, and in accordance with New York state law.
Drivers who violate the rules of bus lanes, and are captured by ABLE cameras, will receive summonses with fines starting at $50 and escalating for repeat offenders up to $250. Signage will be posted regarding the hours that bus lanes are open and will advise drivers about the new lane enforcement change.
“Millions of New Yorkers rely on our buses every day, and they deserve to ride in bus lanes that are safe and efficient,” said Hochul. “The continued expansion of ABLE will both protect riders and enable faster, more reliable service for New Yorkers to enjoy.”
The average daily ridership numbers on the B26 bus line is 8,700, and the route would have carried 1.7 million riders by the end of 2022, a 12% increase from 2021, according to the governor’s office. This recent ABLE camera activation is the 20th citywide.
The governor’s office also recognized the success of ABLE cameras along other bus routes in Brooklyn, which acts as a deterrent for repeat offenders who disregard the rules of the road. Across the city, ABLE cameras have led to over 313,000 violations being issued to motorists through the end of August, the governor’s office said.
“Queens and Brooklyn drivers take note – if you invade our bus lanes, we will catch you on camera and you will be ticketed,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.