Cameras to Focus on Cabs Driving in Bus Lanes

The DOT is beginning video surveillance of the "high-visibility" terra cotta-colored express-bus lanes on 34th Street to keep cab drivers in check. Taxis are permitted to enter the bus lanes only to make the next right turn or to "expeditiously" pick up and drop off passengers, but officials think many cabbies have been using them as their own personal express lanes. As part of a six month trial, two cameras are being installed along the bus lane at 34th Street between Park and Madison, and four others will subsequently be installed along the route. Because the city is partnering with the Taxi and Limousine Commission and using the cameras to exclusively punish taxi drivers, the DOT says they don't need legislative approval. According to a press release, the city is pursuing state legislation to allow the use of bus lane cameras to punish all drivers who encroach on bus lanes. But for now the DOT will work with the TLC to enforce the traffic law, and cabbies caught driving in the terra cotta face fines up to $150.