Midtown redevelopment plan proposes revival of the 34th Street bus lane
New York City officials have revived plans for a dedicated busway on 34th Street, a move that aligns with the Midtown South Mixed-Use Rezoning Plan to support new housing and reliable transit infrastructure.
The busway, which prioritizes buses and certain trucks while allowing local access for pick-ups, drop-offs, and loading needs, was initially suspended by Mayor Eric Adams' administration. However, it was revived and incorporated into the larger Midtown South Mixed-Use Rezoning Plan in early August 2025.
The project builds on the success of the 14th Street Busway, where bus speeds improved by 24% and traffic congestion dropped. The 34th Street busway, extending from 3rd Avenue to 9th Avenue, is expected to increase bus speeds by about 15%, improving commuter transit.
The busway is a crucial step in accommodating increased transit demand and enhancing street safety in a rapidly developing area. It will also complement other proposed street-level improvements, aiming to create a safer, less congested, and more pedestrian-friendly environment.
The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, which was approved by the NYC Council's subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, and the Committee on Land Use, will support nearly 10,000 new homes. This rezoning plan, including the busway, is expected to help bring down rents not just in Midtown, but citywide, as per Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment of $1 billion for affordable housing construction citywide.
Public transit advocacy groups, such as the Riders Alliance and Transportation Alternatives, support the demand for a dedicated 34th Street busway. Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher believe the MSMX plan will transform transit in the Midtown South area and address the housing crisis in a transit-rich area of the city, respectively.
The 34th Street busway proposal, which was first put forward by the Department of Transportation on May 20, will contribute to Mayor Eric Adams' goal of delivering 100,000 new homes across Manhattan over the next decade. Local-access vehicles will be required to turn off the 34th Street busway at specific intersections to avoid a traffic violation.
The revival of the 34th Street busway project underscores the city's commitment to sustainable, efficient, and accessible public transit. The project, modelled after the successful 14th Street busway, is set to redefine transit in Midtown South, supporting the rezoning plan's goals of preserving the fashion industry, protecting good-paying jobs, and creating a community-friendly Midtown South.
The 34th Street busway, incorporated into the Midtown South Mixed-Use Rezoning Plan, aims to enhance transportation infrastructure and support the city's finance industry by improving commuter transit, specifically prioritizing buses and certain trucks. This project, when completed, is expected to help lower rents citywide, aligning with Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment of $1 billion for affordable housing construction.
The Midtown South Mixed-Use Rezoning Plan, along with the proposed 34th Street busway, targets the preservation of the fashion industry and safeguarding good-paying jobs in the area, positioning the region for success in both the industry and finance sectors.
