Bus-Mounted Enforcement Cameras Face Evasion Tactics as Some Routes See Slower Speeds

A citywide initiative to accelerate bus travel through automated enforcement is encountering significant hurdles, as data indicates that some routes have actually slowed down since the installation of ticket-issuing cameras. While the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports a 5% increase in bus speeds across the 67 routes currently utilizing the technology, a recent analysis shows that at least nine routes have seen speeds drop by 2% or more.

Among the most affected is the Bx20 in the Bronx, where average speeds fell from 7.1 mph to 6.6 mph following the introduction of cameras in September 2025. MTA officials have attributed this specific decline to ongoing construction on the Broadway Bridge, which has impacted traffic flow in the area. However, the broader trend of inconsistent results has drawn attention to the prevalence of license plate obstruction.

Evidence suggests that drivers are increasingly using tactics to evade detection, such as draping towels over plates or leaving vehicle trunks open to block camera views. MTA data confirms a steady rise in "unreadable" license plate events, which climbed from 7% in 2024 to 17% during the first quarter of 2026. The agency notes that "unreadable" designations can also result from environmental factors like weather or dirty lenses.

Despite these challenges, the MTA has become a primary force in traffic enforcement, issuing approximately 404,000 tickets for double parking in 2025, surpassing the 387,000 summonses issued by the NYPD. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has prioritized bus speed improvements, plans to expand the camera program to 25 additional routes annually through 2027.

Fines for camera-captured violations begin at $50 and escalate to a maximum of $250 for repeat offenses. To address the issue of obscured plates, the MTA maintains a task force in coordination with the NYPD. While the MTA manages the camera infrastructure, officials emphasize that the NYPD retains the authority to enforce laws regarding obstructed plates on city streets. The NYPD reported issuing over 213,000 summonses for such violations in 2025.