Big Changes Coming for B44 Commuters

On an average weekday, 44,300 passengers ride the B44 bus that runs north-south through Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, making it the 4th busiest bus route in the city. 

Changes are coming to the B44 bus route, beginning mid-year 2012, that are intended to help improve bus service for its 44,000 daily riders. They are a part of Mayor Bloomberg’s comprehensive sustainability plan, PlaNYC 2030.

In 2004, the NYC Department of Transportation, MTA New York City Transit, and the New York State Department of Transportation began studying how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could improve transit service in New York City. Through a process that involved detailed analysis and significant public outreach, the agencies developed a set of recommended routes that would be most appropriate for BRT improvements, known as Select Bus Service (SBS).

Nostrand, Rogers and Bedford Avenues have been selected for SBS service, which include a number of small and large changes to the route—changes the public should be aware of so they can plan accordingly.

Nostrand Avenue-Rogers Avenue Select Bus Service will be a 9.3 mile route along a key north-south corridor in Brooklyn, connecting densely-populated residential areas with multiple subway lines, bus routes, shopping areas, two colleges and two major hospitals.

How SBS will work on the B44:

• The B44 SBS replaces the B44 Limited
• The B44 local route remains the same
• Northbound SBS will travel on Rogers Avenue, instead of New York Avenue for faster and more direct service
• The SBS fare will remain the same as the current local bus fare

Other important BRT features to the Nostrand/Rogers SBS Service will include:

1. Off-board fare collection—Bus riders now will pay with a Metrocard or coins at a sidewalk ticket vending machine at the SBS bus stop before they get on the bus. This shortens the time the bus is stopped at the station and allows passengers to use all 3 doors to enter and exit the bus.

2. Bus bulb stations—Sidewalks will be widened to meet the bus lane. Bus bulbs provide more room for people to wait, and allow buses to travel straight into and out of the station without pulling over. Most importantly, these stations have a high curb that will be level with the floor of the BRT buses, making it easier and faster for all passengers to get on and off the bus.

3. Upgraded signage—New signage on all routes will establish when the bus lanes are in effect. At a minimum, this will include at least one sign per block, positioned for high visibility for motorists. Additionally, large overhead signs will be located along the corridor to create additional bus lane visibility.

4. Enhanced road markings—New enhanced road markings will increase the visibility of bus lanes. New bus lanes will be colored with dark red terra cotta paint. On top of this color will be the traditional white bus only markings. The color treatment will end where motorists need to enter the bus lane to make the next available right turn.

5. Transit signal priority-- This upgraded system will allow buses to pass through intersections more quickly. Sensors track when a bus nears an intersection, and turns traffic signals turn green sooner, or keeps them green longer. This keeps the bus moving, speeding up the bus trip.

For more information on the upcoming Nostrand, Rogers and Bedford Avenues SBS service, visit the SBS webpage at nyc.gov.