Bronx Set to Launch First Dedicated Busway on East Tremont Avenue

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that construction on the borough’s inaugural busway will commence next month. Located on East Tremont Avenue, the project aims to address chronic congestion that has left the Bx36 bus line crawling at an average speed of just 5 mph during rush hour.

Modeled after the 14th Street busway in Manhattan, the new configuration will restrict most private vehicle traffic, reserving the roadway primarily for buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles. The initial phase covers a half-mile stretch between Third Avenue and Southern Boulevard. According to the city, crews will begin repainting the road and installing new signage shortly, with the goal of having the changes in place by the end of the year.

This project is a central component of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s broader transit strategy. The administration intends to transform the section of East Tremont Avenue running parallel to the Cross-Bronx Expressway into a full-scale bus rapid transit corridor, featuring dedicated lanes and enhanced, station-like stops. DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone confirmed that public outreach regarding the expansion of this corridor is scheduled to begin later this year.

Local commuters have expressed a mix of frustration and cautious optimism regarding the changes. For many, the current state of the Bx36 is a daily struggle, with riders reporting frequent overcrowding and inconsistent service. While some residents noted that previous network redesigns have complicated their commutes, there is a general consensus that the status quo is unsustainable.

Mayor Mamdani stated that the project is intended to provide more reliable service for the 39,000 daily riders who rely on the Bx36. The city is banking on results similar to those seen in Manhattan, where the implementation of a busway led to a 24% increase in bus speeds.

Transit officials have indicated that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will monitor the corridor’s performance following the launch. The agency plans to review the impact of the new bus lanes and make necessary adjustments between six months and a year after implementation.