By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced a $40 million investment to expand seating at the approximately 8,750 eligible bus stops—those on public property with sufficient sidewalk or island space—across the five boroughs that currently lack seating.
Beginning this month, seating will be installed, where feasible, at 875 bus stops every year over the next 10 years, while maintaining existing seating.
Nearly two-thirds of eligible bus stops currently do not have seating while passengers wait for buses to arrive. To date, seating elements are installed at more than 5,000 bus stops across the city. The City Department of Transportation inspects and maintains seating at over 2,600 locations throughout the five boroughs on sidewalks and at plazas.
“In the hustle and bustle of the greatest city on earth, sometimes there’s no better feeling than resting on a city bench while New York keeps moving around you,” said City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “For many New Yorkers, having a place to sit at the bus stop is more than just a matter of comfort, it’s a matter of whether they can take the bus at all. With more than 15,000 bus stops used by 1.4 million people every day, many of whom are seniors and people with disabilities, there has never been a better time to step up so New Yorkers can sit down.”
Adams said that more comfortable and efficient bus seating has contributed to a significant decrease in traffic fatalities. According to the recently released Mayor’s Management Report, traffic fatalities decreased 24 percent and were down across nearly all categories in Fiscal Year 2025—this includes fatalities related to motorized two-wheelers, which decreased by 39 percent from 99 to 60; motor vehicle occupants, which saw a 31 percent decrease from 54 to 37; and pedestrians, which decreased by 8 percent from 119 to 110—making Fiscal Year 2025 one of the best years for Vision Zero’s goals in recent history.
“To make New York City the best place to raise a family, and grow old in we have to take care of the big things and the small things,” Adams said. “This $40 million investment will ensure that every eligible bus stop across the five boroughs that lacks seating will be fitted, every year over the next 10 years, with either a bench or a leaning bar. I am proud that this effort will give New Yorkers a break and transform the bus-riding experience for thousands of people.”
Christine Serdjenian Yearwood, founder and CEO of the advocacy organization UP-STAND, added, “Additional bus stop seating will decrease children’s exposure to moving traffic and enable pregnant and disabled riders the respite they need to travel safely.”
Jolyse Race, senior organizer, Riders Alliance, said, “Bus riders deserve a seat at the table and a seat at every bus stop. Bus riders work the jobs that make New York possible, and we have earned the respect of a safe, comfortable place to wait for service. Thanks to the Department of Transportation for holding the line on existing seating and making this new investment, an important step toward universal seating for millions of New Yorkers who take the bus.”
