NEW YORK, July 9, 2026 — In a major push to revitalise NYC’s bus network, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have unveiled a sweeping $882 million plan to modernise the City’s bus transit. The initiative, titled “Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service,” aims to increase bus speeds by 20% and slash commute times for over a million daily riders through aggressive street redesigns, new technology, and a massive fleet upgrade.
New Yorkers take 2.75 million trips on New York City buses each day, making the system the busiest in the nation — carrying more riders than the bus systems of Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia combined. But New York’s buses remain the slowest of any major U.S. city, averaging just eight miles per hour.
Improving bus service is central to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s promise to make New York City more liveable for working people. Bus riders are disproportionately working class, women and people of colour and are more likely than subway riders or drivers to live in households earning less than $100,000 annually.
The “Next Stop” Plan at a Glance
Announced in Brooklyn, the plan targets the city’s average 8 mph bus speeds with significant infrastructure and fleet upgrades. 50 Priority Corridors are targeted for immediate improvements like dedicated lanes and signal priority. Five major arteries, starting with Flatbush Avenue, will feature center-running, physically separated lanes and level boarding. In addition, the MTA is purchasing 2,500 new buses, replacing roughly 40% of its fleet.
By 2027, the MTA plans to implement all-door boarding citywide to reduce stop times by an estimated 40%. The plan includes 200 new stationary cameras by 2027 and expanded bus-mounted cameras to keep lanes clear.
The initiative funds 300 new shelters by 2028 and seating at 875 stops by 2035. 2,900 new real-time information screens will be installed by 2030.
Political Context
This initiative acts on Mayor Mamdani’s campaign promise of faster, more efficient transit, secured with state backing. “These investments… mean riders will save up to 6 minutes every trip,” said Mayor Mamdani.
