Rising levels of bus traffic under the Hudson are leading Port Authority planners to consider using another lane in the Lincoln Tunnel for buses only, or for a mix of buses and carpools.

A variety of traffic configuration issues at the tunnel entrance will have to be considered in taking such a step, and the PA would like to open up more capacity in its Manhattan bus terminal. 

The Star-Ledger reported at the end of December that the PA staff would soon present a plan to its board for opening 26 new gates in the unfinished fourth level of the bus terminal's North Wing. 

At the moment, due to the emergency Manhattan carpool rule, all traffic using the Lincoln Tunnel from 6-10 a.m. must have at least two passengers. The Port Authority is making a wise move to consider preserving some of this HOV/bus capacity for good by setting aside an additional lane. Bus use of the Lincoln Tunnel exclusive bus lane is up by several hundred since the mid-1990s, and further workplace development on Midtown Manhattan's west side is underway. The lane is reserved for buses from 5:45 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Less Room, Fewer Drivers?  
(Sept. 24, 2001)

Rapid Buses for Staten Island, New Jersey
(Sept. 24, 2001)

MTR search facility and back issues:

Search our database of all past issues of Mobilizing the Region since Fall, 1994.

Go to index of all Mobilizing the Region back issues