Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) and Senator Martin Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) announced passage of legislation that would enable the implementation of full-featured Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for current and future routes.

“The passage of this bill is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of the City’s Bus Rapid Transit program. I am glad that my colleagues came together in support of a measure that improves transit for both drivers and riders alike and promotes safety,” said Rozic. “We can now ensure the proper enforcement of transportation that helps thousands of New Yorkers, particularly those who live in the outer boroughs.”

Passage of the bill comes after the City’s announcement to develop 13 new BRT routes by 2017. The program is designed to connect growing neighborhoods by improving commutes through the use of off-board fare collection and dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel times. As part of the program expansion, routes are currently in the works for Woodhaven Boulevard, Utica Avenue, Flushing-to-Jamaica, and 86th Street.

“Eight hundred and seventy-nine thousand New Yorkers, many of which are disproportionately low-income, commute more than an hour each way,” said Golden. “This bill enables BRT, which is designed to increase accessibility, decrease commute time, and improve ridership safety, to succeed.”

“Reliable bus service can mean the difference between jobs and unemployment for many families, particularly for people who live in transit deserts that are far from the subway. This bill will improve life for some of the two million New Yorkers who rely on the bus every day,” said John Raskin, Executive Director of Riders Alliance. “I appreciate the hard work of Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and State Senator Martin Golden, who really stood up for bus riders.”

“We thank Assemblywoman Rozic and Senator Golden for their leadership on this key legislation that enables the implementation of full-featured Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the Woodhaven Boulevard corridor and other routes. This legislation will help thousands of New Yorkers connect to existing and emerging employment centers, particularly residents of areas in the outer boroughs with little or no subway service. BRT service with well-enforced dedicated lanes will also ease congestion, making bus drivers’ jobs easier and helping commuters complete their trips faster,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

Stephanie Veras, Riders Alliance member and Woodhaven, Queens resident said, “As a student with a 2 hour commute every day, I know too well that bus service is slow and unreliable. Bus lanes make our commutes faster and less of an agony. But it’s just paint on the road if it isn’t enforced. I’m happy to know that our State legislators passed the bus lane enforcement bill and that Select Bus Service will continue to actually work for thousands of bus riders who need a break, like me!”

The bill is now headed to Governor Cuomo to be signed into law.