NEW YORK CITY – Starting Saturday, July 26, New Yorkers driving along the M100, M42, and Bx5 bus routes will need to be extra cautious—Automated Camera Fines are officially in effect. The MTA is cracking down on vehicles that block bus lanes, double park or stop where they shouldn’t, and the fines are no joke. They’ll start at $50 and can climb up to $250 for repeat offenders.
These three routes are the latest to join the MTA’s growing ACE (Automated Camera Enforcement) network, which now includes over 40 bus routes across all five boroughs. According to the MTA, more than 1,200 city buses are currently equipped with ACE cameras, covering around 510 miles of bus routes. That translates to faster, safer and more reliable trips for roughly 775,000 daily riders.
The Bigger Impact
If you’ve ever waited ages for a bus stuck behind a double-parked car—or squeezed your way onto a curb because a vehicle was blocking the bus stop—you know the struggle is real. The Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program aims to tackle exactly that.
Since its expansion last year, ACE has been credited with improving average bus speeds by about 5%, with some routes seeing as much as a 30% boost, according to MTA. There’s also been a 20% drop in collisions and fewer blocked bus stops—down by 40% in some areas. That’s a win for everyone, especially for riders with disabilities who depend on clear access to buses.
How the Automated Camera Fines Works
Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) system is pretty smart. Cameras mounted on the front of buses record video and images of any vehicle in violation—whether that’s driving in the bus lane when they shouldn’t, double parking or blocking a bus stop. That footage, along with license plate details and timestamps, is sent to the NYC Department of Transportation, where it’s reviewed by staff before a fine is issued.
And while it may seem harsh, repeat offenders are a small group. The MTA says only 9% of drivers rack up more than two tickets after being fined.
Signage Is in Place
Don’t worry—these aren’t surprise tickets. Each bus route that’s being enforced has clear signage letting drivers know that cameras are watching. If you’re unsure whether a route has active enforcement, check out the full list at mta.info/ace.
Looking Ahead
It’s been just over a year since the ACE program expanded to include double-parked cars and vehicles blocking bus stops. Since then, it’s made a noticeable difference in how buses move around the city—and it’s not slowing down.
So whether you’re behind the wheel or riding the bus, one thing’s clear: keeping bus lanes free is making New York’s commutes smoother, safer and more efficient.
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