New York City is investing $40 million to make waiting for the bus a little easier.
Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Oct. 30 announced a citywide plan to add seating to thousands of bus stops that currently have none, improving comfort and accessibility for older adults, parents with young children plus riders with disabilities.
The initiative will bring benches or leaning bars to 875 bus stops every year for the next decade, prioritizing stops with enough public space for installation.
"I am proud that this effort will give New Yorkers a break and transform the bus-riding experience for thousands of people," Adams said in a statement.
In total, about 8,750 eligible bus stops across the five boroughs are slated to receive new seating. The city will also maintain existing benches to ensure every eligible stop eventually offers a place to rest.
While more than 15,000 bus stops serve 1.4 million riders daily, nearly two-thirds of those eligible still lack seating. DOT currently maintains more than 2,600 seating locations citywide and has installed elements at over 5,000 stops to date.
"Bus riders deserve a seat at the table and a seat at every bus stop," said Jolyse Race, senior organizer of the nonprofit Riders Alliance. "Bus riders work the jobs that make New York possible, and we have earned the respect of a safe, comfortable place to wait for service."
