Select Bus Service
Select Bus Service
Select Bus Service, abbreviated as SBS, is an innovative bus service operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City. This service is a part of the MTA's Regional Bus Operations, which also includes local, limited-stop, rush-hour, and express bus services. The Select Bus Service represents an effort to improve bus transit across the city by integrating elements of Bus Rapid Transit systems.
Key Features
Select Bus Service incorporates several features aimed at enhancing the efficiency and speed of transportation in urban environments. Key features of SBS include:
- Dedicated Lanes: SBS routes often have bus-only lanes to minimize conflicts with other vehicular traffic, thus speeding up travel times.
- Off-Vehicle Fare Collection: To reduce boarding times, SBS utilizes off-board fare collection methods, allowing passengers to pay before boarding.
- Enhanced Stations: SBS stops are equipped with sheltered stations and platform-level boarding, improving accessibility and passenger comfort.
- Transit Signal Priority: This intelligent transportation system feature gives priority to buses at traffic signals, reducing delays and speeding up service.
Implementation and Service Routes
The first SBS corridor was implemented along the Bx12 bus route on June 29, 2008, running through 207th Street, Fordham Road, and Pelham Parkway. This marked a significant enhancement in public transit for the Bronx, carrying over 53,000 riders each weekday. Subsequent routes expanded the SBS network across New York City, including:
- S79 Route: Originally planned for conversion in 2013, this route on Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Avenue was converted to SBS on September 2, 2012.
- Bx41 Route: The second Bronx corridor, serving Webster Avenue, began SBS service on June 30, 2013. This was the first Phase II route, with the previous routes constituting Phase I.
- M60 Route: This corridor, part of the third phase for Manhattan, extends from 125th Street, over the Triborough Bridge, to LaGuardia Airport. It started SBS service on May 25, 2014.
Future Developments
The MTA's commitment to expanding the Select Bus Service continues, with proposals for additional routes to enhance connectivity across the city. These planned routes aim to address the growing demand for efficient, reliable public transportation and further integrate SBS into New York City's diverse transit landscape.