34th Street Busway

How to Use the Busway | FAQ | Community Outreach | MTA Bus Schedule

A large group of pedestrians cross 34th Street in Manhattan, walking in front of cars and buses stopped at the traffic signal.

The 34th Street Busway in Manhattan aims to increase bus speeds and reliability for over 28,000 daily bus riders on the M34/M34A and numerous express buses, improve truck movement and deliveries to local businesses, and make the street safer for pedestrians. Busways in NYC have improved bus speeds by up to 60% and decreased pedestrian and cyclist injuries by up to 45%.

The 34th Street Busway will be 1.1 miles in both directions between Ninth Avenue and Third Avenue.

Busway rules will take effect in late fall of 2025.

Video description: Clips and animations of busways and bus lanes in New York City.

How to Use the 34th Street Busway

The busway will be in effect every day from 6am to 10pm.

Download the How to Use the 34th Street Busway brochure (pdf)

Every day from 6am to 10pm:

  • Only buses, trucks with more than two axles or six or more wheels, Access-A-Ride vans, and emergency vehicles  may travel all the way through, eastbound from Ninth Avenue to Third Avenue, and westbound from Third Avenue to Ninth Avenue.
  • Passenger vehicles, including for-hire vehicles, may turn onto the busway from a side street but must make the next available right turn to leave the busway.
  • Passenger vehicles, including for-hire vehicles, may drop off and pick up all along the busway according to posted parking regulations.
  • No vehicles may turn left from the busway, except for authorized vehicles.
  • Curb access will be allowed along the entire busway. Follow rules on parking signs.

Overnight from 10pm to 6am:

  • Busway regulations are not in effect. All vehicles may drive all the way through 34th Street and may make left and right turns unless otherwise posted.
  • Curb access will be allowed along the entire busway. Follow rules on parking signs.

How to Reach Your Block Along the Busway

The maps below show drivers how to reach their desired block when the 34th Street Busway is in effect. Green arrows show permitted route to enter and turn onto. Blue arrows indicate when drivers must turn to exit.

Driving Eastbound:

  • If you enter 34th Street from Ninth or Eighth Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Fifth Avenue
  • If you enter 34th Street from Fifth or Madison Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Park Avenue
  • If you enter 34th Street from Park Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Lexington Avenue

Diagram showing how vehicles must travel and make turns when driving eastbound on 34th Avenue between Ninth Avenue and Third Avenue in Manhattan. Text overlay reads: No right turn onto Seventh Avenue from 34th Street. No right turn onto 34th Street from Sixth Avenue.

Driving Westbound:

  • If you enter 34th Street from Third or Lexington Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Park Avenue
  • If you enter 34th Street from Park Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Madison Avenue
  • If you enter 34th Street from Madison or Fifth Avenue, you must turn right to exit on Eighth Avenue

Diagram showing how vehicles must travel and make turns when driving westbound on 34th Avenue between Third Avenue and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. Text overlay states no left or right turn onto 34th Street from Sixth Avenue.

Busway Signage and Street Markings

Where applicable, the beginning and end of busway blocks will be painted red with "BUS TRUCK ONLY" white markings, so drivers know when they are turning onto the busway. Signage will mark the beginning and entrances to the busway, and signage will direct local access drivers to the appropriate right turns off of the busway.

Travel lanes on a roadway are painted red and have the works Bus Truck Only painted on them.
Busway markings on 181st Street

Frequently Asked Questions

Will passenger vehicles, including for-hire vehicles, be allowed on the busway?

  • Yes, all passenger and for-hire vehicles will be allowed to enter the 34th Street Busway to access any block. Vehicles may turn onto the busway from a side street, then must make the next available right turn.

How will I know the busway rules when I am driving on 34th Street?

  • There will be red paint on the street whenever you turn onto the busway.
  • There will also be signage posted along 34th Street and intersecting streets that explain the required turns and regulations.

Will parking be allowed on the busway?

  • Yes, parking will be allowed on the busway. Follow the posted parking regulations.

Where can I be dropped off or picked up?

  • Pickups, drop-offs, truck loading and parking will be allowed throughout 34th Street.
  • Drivers are responsible for following traffic rules and all posted signage.

If I cannot drive all the way down 34th Street, what other routes may I use?

  • If you are traveling westbound, you can drive on 31st Street, 35th Street, 37th Street, or other routes. If you are traveling eastbound, you can drive on 30th Street, 36th Street, 38th Street, or other routes.

Which vehicles are considered trucks?

  • A truck is any vehicle designed to transport property that has more than two axles or six or more tires.

Why will trucks be allowed?

  • 34th Street is a designated truck route. Allowing trucks on the busway helps to limit through truck traffic on side streets.

Where will trucks be allowed to load and unload on the busway?

How is a busway enforced?

  • NYPD traffic agents and automated cameras enforce regulations by giving warnings and summonses.
  • Camera violations incur a $50 fine for a first violation and up to $250 for the fifth or subsequent violation. NYPD bus lane moving violations are $150.

Community Outreach

NYC DOT and MTA conducted numerous meetings and events with elected officials, community boards, local businesses, shoppers, community stakeholders, bus riders, and members of the public. Feedback from these engagements helped shape the final busway. 34th Street community board presentations

Contact

If you have questions or comments about MTA bus schedules, fare collection machines, fare enforcement, or general MTA issues (e.g., MetroCard, OMNY, subway service) please contact the MTA online or call 511.

If you have a transportation-related problem, comment, or question about the 34th Street Busway, contact the NYC DOT Commissioner online.