The Bronx is set to see its first dedicated bus lane when the Tremont Avenue Busway goes live Saturday at 6 a.m. The new lane runs eastbound for half a mile from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, giving the heavily used BX36 route a clear path through one of the borough’s most congested corridors.
What the busway means for riders
Mayor Mamdani, who promised free buses during his campaign, highlighted that the BX36 carries roughly 39,000 passengers each day. By restricting the lane to buses and trucks, the city expects riders to save about six minutes per trip, a modest but welcome improvement for commuters who often crawl at five miles per hour during rush hour.
“The 36 is super slow. It takes 30 minutes to get all the way to University literally because there’s so much traffic,” said local resident Aliyah, who relies on the route for work and school.
Business owners weigh in
Local merchants have expressed both optimism and concern. Wander Soriano, owner of a convenience store and smoke shop, believes the busway will bring more foot traffic. “The bus is gonna be driving more people. So more people gonna be walking without cars because they don’t wanna get a ticket,” he said.
Conversely, Jeremies Bourdier of Soap Game Strong, which sells five‑gallon buckets of soap that must be loaded onto trucks, worries the timing may hinder deliveries. “I think they should’ve made the time a little bit later. Maybe from 7‑5 you know. 6‑8 nobody is gonna be able to pass through,” he argued.
How the busway works
Only buses and trucks may travel the designated lane. Passenger cars and taxis may turn onto Tremont Avenue to drop off riders or park, but they must exit at the next intersection to avoid a ticket. The city’s enforcement plan includes signage and occasional traffic officer presence to ensure compliance.
City officials say the busway is part of a broader effort to improve public‑transport reliability across New York City, complementing recent bus‑only lanes on Manhattan’s avenues and Queens’ corridors.
Community response
Neighborhood groups have organized a short information session at the local community center to explain the new rules and answer questions. Residents who rely on the BX36 are encouraged to try the busway during the first week and share feedback with the Department of Transportation.
While some fear increased congestion for delivery trucks, many see the busway as a step toward safer streets and more predictable commutes. As the Bronx continues to grow, dedicated transit lanes may become a vital tool for preserving mobility without sacrificing local business needs.
Looking ahead
The city will monitor travel times and traffic patterns for the first month. If the busway proves successful, officials have hinted at expanding similar lanes to other high‑traffic Bronx corridors.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
