Major traffic changes coming to East Tremont Avenue with launch of Bronx’s first busway
The Tremont Avenue Busway is scheduled to launch Sept. 19. The city says the project is designed to improve bus speeds and reliability for more than 39,000 daily Bx36 riders.
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A major change is coming to East Tremont Avenue as the city prepares to launch the Bronx’s first busway, and some people who live and work along the corridor have concerns about what it could mean for the neighborhood.
The Tremont Avenue Busway is scheduled to launch Sept. 19. The city says the project is designed to improve bus speeds and reliability for more than 39,000 daily Bx36 riders.
The busway will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. During those hours, buses, trucks, Access-A-Ride vehicles, emergency vehicles and bicycles will be able to continue straight through the designated corridor.
Regular drivers will still be able to enter the busway to reach local destinations, parking or pick up and drop off passengers, but they will have to make the next available right turn instead of continuing straight through.
For some business owners along Tremont Avenue, that change is raising concerns about customers getting to their stores.
“Definitely less traffic, less customers,” said Rich, who owns a restaurant along the corridor. “I’m hoping it doesn’t deter people from coming in the neighborhood driving by. But as of right now, it sounds like it may have that negative impact.”
“What’s going to happen with people who want to come and shop?” said Eileen, a driver who is now questioning how the restrictions will affect people who rely on cars to reach businesses along Tremont Avenue.
“It’s going to be an inconvenience for a lot of people,” she said.
Others see potential benefits. “The buses can’t move with the traffic, and they have to make stops,” said one bus rider. “I hope they do actually make the bus lanes accessible.”
The eastbound busway will run from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, while the westbound busway will stretch from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue.
The restrictions will only apply from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside those hours, regular vehicles will once again be able to travel straight through the corridor.
