What is the purpose of the new boarding islands on Jay Street?

The boarding islands are intended to improve safety and reduce delays by separating buses from cyclists and pedestrians.

Which bus routes will be affected by these changes?

The B54 bus will use one of the new boarding islands, and the changes are designed to improve the overall busway experience.

Jay Street Busway in Brooklyn Gets New Boarding Platforms

The Department of Transportation is installing bus boarding islands on Jay Street to improve safety and reduce delays for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

2026-10-05 · Updated 2026-10-05

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently installing two new bus boarding islands on Brooklyn's Jay Street busway. The project aims to improve safety and efficiency by separating buses from cyclists and pedestrians in a busy section of the thoroughfare.

One island, located north of Metrotech Service Road, will serve as a dedicated boarding area for the B54 bus. This island will replace a painted no-parking zone and provide increased protection for cyclists who share the curb lane. The DOT is leveraging scheduled street resurfacing to integrate these infrastructure improvements.

The second island, situated slightly further north, is designated for bus layovers. This will address issues where drivers currently use a cutover that is often illegally blocked by other vehicles, causing traffic conflicts. The new island will allow for a clearer traffic pattern, rerouting cyclists along the curb next to Brooklyn Commons.

DOT spokesperson Mona Bruno stated that the agency is "taking advantage of scheduled street resurfacing to improve the bus-riding and biking experience on Jay Street." She added that the islands will "eliminate the mixing of buses and bikes at these two locations, reducing bus service delays and improving safety for everyone."

Former DOT official Jon Orcutt noted that combining street resurfacing with redesigns is not standard but indicates a more rational approach by the current administration. City Council Member Lincoln Restler praised the DOT for the improvements, stating, "I’m grateful that DOT is separating the bike and bus lanes to bring some order to the mess on Jay Street."

FAQ

What is the purpose of the new boarding islands on Jay Street?: The boarding islands are intended to improve safety and reduce delays by separating buses from cyclists and pedestrians.
Which bus routes will be affected by these changes?: The B54 bus will use one of the new boarding islands, and the changes are designed to improve the overall busway experience.