Bus Challenge

How can we make buses faster and more efficient, especially in bus lanes?

Traffic has increased in New York City and bus lanes are often blocked. As a result, buses travel more slowly than ever. In midtown Manhattan, the average bus speed is as low as 3.4 mph, comparable to a New Yorker's walking speed.

In 2019, the Transit Tech Lab sought applications from companies with innovative technologies to make public buses faster and more efficient, especially in bus lanes.

Pilots

Two companies began piloting their technologies with the MTA in July 2020.

Preteckt studies vehicle data from buses to predict system failures at least 48 hours before the Check Engine light is activated and the bus must be removed from service. Preteckt’s insights have the potential to reduce time spent on maintenance, prevent service disruptions and reduce fleet costs.

Remix provides software for designing transit systems that enables MTA planners to more quickly and efficiently produce the bus network redesign outlined in the Fast Forward NYC Plan. To ensure equitable access and support public engagement, Remix’s technology uses public demographic data and generates easy-to-understand transit maps for community feedback.