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New York City Department of Transportation
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Permits/Franchises
Franchises, Procurements & Other Business Resources

The Division of Franchises, Concessions and Consents grants permission to applicants to occupy or use space on, over or under the City streets and sidewalks, charging fees for these uses.

A franchise is a contract between a company and the City. The company provides a public service. Examples are certain private bus routes and conduits for gas and electric utilities.

Franchises generally require legislative authority and are granted for a limited term of years following a public bidding process.

Concessions may be granted to do business on City property. Examples include food courts on public plazas. Concessions are granted for a fixed number of years following a public bidding process.

Revocable Consents may be granted to permit the use of public space for private purposes. Examples include accessibility ramps adjacent to private property, as well as steam pipes and telecommunication conduits underground. Revocable consents are granted for a limited number of years after a formal review process.

If you are interested in being on the Department of Transportation's concession solicitation list, please complete this form.

For further information, please contact:

Franchises, Concessions and Consents
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041
(212) 839-6550

Bus Stop Shelters
Bus stop shelters are installed and maintained by a private company in accordance with a franchise contract with the City. All proposed sites must meet strict guidelines designed to ensure public safety and the smooth flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
  • To report a damaged bus stop shelter, please call 311 with the location and the shelter number displayed near the roof of the shelter.

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