The MTA announced on Monday its plan to install cameras across nine bus routes citywide to catch drivers using bus lanes illegally.  

The Department of Transportation says they are going to give drivers warnings for the first 60 days of the new camera installations, some of which were activated on Monday. 

Commuters say that their rides have been slow, something the MTA hopes to address with this plan.  

“I think people are not respecting the bus lanes,” said one bus rider. “They are always causing a lot of delays for the bus drivers.” 

The MTA says there are currently 123 buses with the cameras installed on routes in Brooklyn and across Manhattan. The new cameras will expand coverage even further, and the MTA says they want to add 600 cameras by the end of 2023.  

“Bus lanes are for buses and if you aren’t driving a bus, you just shouldn’t be in that lane,” said Jacob DeCastro, senior communications coordinator for Transportation Alternatives. “This program is going to keep these bus lines clear and keep people moving so riders can get to where they need to go faster.” 

According to the MTA, the Bx12, Bx41, Bx19, B62, B25, and B42 bus routes will be immediately affected by the new cameras.  

After the 60-day warning period, drivers can face fines up to $250 if caught using the bus lane illegally.