New busway launches on Tremont Avenue, bringing traffic changes to the Bronx
Under the new rules, which are in effect daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., most drivers may enter the busway to park, pick up or drop off passengers, or access local businesses.
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The Bronx's first busway is now in effect on Tremont Avenue.
On its first day, traffic agents were stationed along the corridor directing drivers to make required turns as some motorists mistakenly continued through the restricted area.
Business owner Rich said he has not received any complaints so far.
“I haven’t heard any complaints. People are coming. I still see a few cars flying by,” he said.
Under the new rules, which are in effect daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., most drivers may enter the busway to park, pick up or drop off passengers, or access local businesses. However, they must make the next available right turn instead of continuing straight. Buses and other exempt vehicles can travel through the corridor uninterrupted.
The city says the busway is designed to improve travel times for the more than 39,000 riders who use the Bx36 bus each day, helping move public transit more efficiently through the area.
Some residents are optimistic about the change.
“I think it’s going to improve traffic because it’s going to reduce the traffic, the other cars and stuff like that. So let’s see what happens,” said Samuel.
Others, however, worry about the impact on drivers and local businesses.
“I definitely do think it will impact business owners, especially if people like myself are driving through the area,” one driver said. “Now we have the added inconvenience of having to circle around the area just to make sure we don’t get ticketed or penalized.”
The busway covers different sections of Tremont Avenue depending on the direction of travel. Eastbound restrictions run from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, while westbound restrictions extend from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue.
Drivers should note that while the restrictions are lifted after 8 p.m., allowing regular traffic to travel straight through, the busway rules resume at 6 a.m. the following morning.
