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Experts Urge Mamdani to Spend Political Capital on Faster Buses, Seize First 100 Days

Analysts say success hinges on mayoral resolve, with close MTA coordination essential.

Overview

  • Streetsblog argues that speeding up buses is technically straightforward through bus lanes, signal priority and stop balancing, but requires reassigning street space over likely protests and lawsuits.
  • The commentary calls on the mayor to back his DOT team publicly and to align with Gov. Hochul and the MTA on a shared vision for bus improvements.
  • In the Daily News, former traffic commissioner Sam Schwartz highlights Section 1642 as granting New York City broad authority to set its own traffic regulations.
  • Schwartz recommends returning parking enforcement to DOT, appointing a “streets czar,” reviving a Traffic Intelligence Division, and curbing placard abuse with clear performance metrics.
  • He presses for near-term decisions on the BQE triple-cantilever, limited Belt Parkway access for smaller commercial vehicles via legislation, and initiating design to cap sections of the Cross Bronx, along with naming an action-oriented DOT commissioner.