Ung calls for Flushing busway warning signs

Councilmember Sandra Ung says the Flushing Main Street busway needs clearer signage. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

By Rachel Vick

Enforcement of the new traffic pattern for the Main Street busway in Flushing has started, and the fines are starting to roll in.

Flushing Councilmember Sandra Ung issued a letter to Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez this week urging the agency to improve signage and transparency to help those in cars avoid being penalized for unintentionally entering the bus-only section of the busway, designed to increase bus speeds in the heavily congested area.

“While the drivers were violating traffic laws, many are doing so unintentionally because they are unaware of the busway’s existence,” Ung wrote. “I feel more can be done by the Department of Transportation to ensure that drivers are aware of the changes, and that summonses are never issued in the first place.”

“I believe the DOT can take some fair and simple steps to alert motorists to these changes without resorting to costly fines,” she added.

There are currently two signs alerting motorists they are required to turn right at 37th Avenue, one a few hundred feet from the intersection and another at the intersection, according to Ung.

She also notes that though there is a “Do Not Enter” sign on the southwest corner of the intersection, it’s small and hard to read.

Cars are banned from traveling the length of Main Street between Northern Boulevard and Sanford Avenue, and vehicles that turn onto Main Street can travel one block before making the first available turn.

Work on the busway began in 2020, and despite stalls in installation due to legal challenges from a group of local businesses, it officially opened in January 2021. A 60-day warning period for lane began in February of that year, with fines rolling out in April.

A single violation costs drivers $50, with amounts increasing for each offense — another reason Ung is calling for better warnings. She said constituents have reported receiving multiple fines, and for those some who turn onto the street unaware, they have received additional penalties in the time it takes to receive the first.

Buses are traveling up to 22 percent faster during morning peak hours and 50 percent faster in the evening from October 2019 to October 2021, and late night speeds are improved as well, according to the DOT.

“Our Main Street busway has greatly improved the commutes for hundreds of thousands of bus riders who pass through the corridor each day,” said DOT spokesperson Vin Barone. “We are happy to discuss this matter further with the council member.”