Drivers on New York City bus routes may want to take a second look at signs along bus routes. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is reminding motorists that Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) fines will begin on four more bus routes: the BX9, BX15, B11, and B63. Starting Friday, Jan. 9, those improperly using busways and bus lanes, blocking bus stops or illegally double-parked could receive summonses starting at $50, jumping to $250.

The four routes are part of a larger ACE program currently active on 54 routes across the city. More than 1,400 buses are now ACE equipped, covering 560 miles of routes and benefiting over 980,000 daily customers. Since the program launched in June 2024, the MTA tells News 12 that ACE has rapidly expanded from a few select routes to a citywide initiative across all five boroughs.

Commuters say the enforcement is long overdue.

“I think it should be more. The dollar vans and the cars that park right there, it's hard to get on the bus! Sometimes there are seniors and they have to walk in the street, and that's not safe!”

According to the MTA, bus routes with automated enforcement have already seen measurable improvements with average speeds "increased by 5%" and some corridors "seeing gains as high as 30%." Additionally, the agency states that collisions have "dropped by 20%, and emissions have been reduced by 5% to 10%," and "blocked bus stops have decreased by 40%."

An MTA spokesperson said that "about 10% of violators receive multiple tickets" showing the program is helping deter repeat offenders and keep traffic moving.

“I can see parking in a bus stop if you're fixing a flat tire, but to wait in a bus stop while you're picking up a pizza is not appropriate," said Steven Gewirtz, another commuter.

Some local business owners remain concerned that stricter enforcement could affect deliveries.

“Getting double-parked cars out of the bus lane is a good idea if it would speed up the MTA buses, but if somebody’s dropping off a delivery, I think that's counterproductive - they shouldn’t get a ticket," says Hank Kwon, who owns a shop near a bus route.

The ACE program is administered in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and the Department of Finance (NYCDOF). The MTA states that once violations are captured by cameras on multiple buses, video, images, license plate information, location and timestamps are then transmitted to NYCDOT for review and processing.

The MTA emphasizes that anyone blocking or standing in a bus stop for more than 2½ minutes, or in a bus lane for more than five minutes and observed by two buses, will receive a fine. Drivers say they’ll be paying close attention to the posted signs.

“As long as they advertise it, that's the way it goes!" said a motorist named Alan.

The MTA notes that all corridors with automated camera enforcement will be clearly signed to improve bus speeds, reduce collisions, and keep bus stops clear.

Brooklyn routes currently under ACE include: B11, B25, B26, B35, B41, B42, B44-SBS, B46-SBS, B60, B62, B63, B68, and B82-SBS. Some are in a 60-day warning period before fines begin.