Double-parkers beware. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Monday began its Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) in all five boroughs, issuing warnings for vehicles blocking bus stops or illegally double parking in bus lanes during an initial 60-day period. After the warning period, drivers who break the rules will face fines starting at $50, with repeat offenses increasing up to $250.
The ACE rollout is happening in two phases, with 10 new routes added each time. On September 30, 10 more routes will join the program, featuring ACE technology onboard buses. By the end of September, 1,000 buses are expected to be equipped with ACE technology.
Fourteen bus routes already feature the technology, which captures drivers’ license plates as well as the location and time. The information is then sent to the Department of Transportation for processing, according to Gothamist.
According to the MTA, when enforcement cameras are active, bus lane speeds increase by five percent, collisions decrease by 20 percent, and emissions drop by 10 percent. Additionally, only nine percent of drivers commit a second bus lane violation after being fined.
All affected bus routes have signage to alert drivers to the technology.
The 60-day warning period is now in effect on the following routes:
• Bx35
• M101
• Q43
• B35
• S46
• B41
• B42
• S79-SBS
• Bx28
• Bx38
The 60-day warning period begins on September 30 for the following routes:
• B82 SBS
• Q53 SBS
• M86 SBS
• M79 SBS
• M60 SBS
• B25
• Q5
• Q69
• Bx6 SBS
• B26
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