The Port Authority has kicked off the first of a set of related studies designed to increase bus capacity in the Lincoln Tunnel.

The tunnel’s rush hour exclusive bus lane (XBL) is operating at capacity, but demand for bus access to Midtown Manhattan is expected to continue to rise. The XBL in fact accounts for more daily passenger trips to Manhattan than NJ Transit trains.

The first study the PA is undertaking will look at infrastructural issues that limit tunnel bus lane throughput. Since widening the tunnel is not really an option, this work is likely to focus on operations and infrastructure west of the tunnel, where the bus lane extends 2.5 miles back to the NJ Turnpike.

A second study will look specifically at toll pricing possibilities. One key element here is likely to be dedication of a second rush hour tunnel tube for buses, carpools and single-occupant vehicles whose driver is willing to pay a toll premium.

The third study will seek to improve bus operation efficiency at the Port Authority bus terminal. It may recommend a bus "staging" area on a platform over the Manhattan-side Lincoln Tunnel access roads.

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