NYC Adds Seating to Every Bus Stop Citywide
NYC to install 875 benches or leaning bars annually at bus stops starting November
NYC Adds Seating to Bus Stops Citywide
New York City's launching a $40 million initiative to install seating at every bus stop on public property with adequate space, Mayor Eric Adams announced. The Department of Transportation will add approximately 875 benches or leaning bars annually starting in November across all five boroughs. Officials didn't specify how many bus stops currently lack seating or how long the full installation will take.
Addressing Comfort Gap
The initiative responds to longstanding rider complaints about lack of seating at bus stops, transit officials said. Many of the city's approximately 16,000 bus stops don't have benches, forcing riders to stand while waiting for buses. The program targets stops on public property where space allows installation, though officials haven't said what percentage of stops meet those criteria. Cities including Los Angeles and Chicago have undertaken similar bus stop improvement programs in recent years to enhance rider comfort and accessibility.
Flexible Seating Options
The city's installing both traditional benches and leaning bars to accommodate different stop configurations, according to the Department of Transportation. Leaning bars provide support in tighter spaces where full benches won't fit, allowing more stops to receive some form of seating. Officials didn't release specifications for bench or leaning bar designs, or say how they'll determine which stops get which type of seating. The $40 million investment covers materials, installation, and maintenance, though officials didn't provide a cost breakdown.
November Rollout Begins
Installation starts in November, with DOT crews adding 875 benches or leaning bars per year, officials said. The agency didn't provide a specific start date or say which boroughs will see installations first. At the announced pace of 875 installations annually, the program will take multiple years to complete, though officials haven't said how many stops will ultimately receive seating under the initiative.
Rider Impact
The seating additions will particularly benefit elderly riders, people with disabilities, and anyone waiting during extended service gaps, transit advocates say. Officials said they'll prioritize stops with high ridership and longer wait times, though specific criteria weren't released. Riders can track real-time bus arrivals and plan trips using Moovit, which provides updates for all NYC bus routes across the five boroughs.
