A conceptual rendering of the new bus lane on the westbound span.
Beginning Monday, October 29, local commuters will have access to a new enhanced bus service, Hudson Link, which will take them across the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in a dedicated bus lane.
Hudson Link will replace the Tappan Zee Express and provide more than 230 one-way rides per day between Rockland and Westchester counties with an estimated annual ridership of more than 400,000. Transdev will operate the state Department of Transportation service utilizing state-of-the-art buses to take commuters to Metro-North train stations in Tarrytown or White Plains, both in Westchester.
Each span of the bridge, owned by the New York State Thruway Authority, will feature a dedicated bus lane to support the new regional service and other high-capacity transit. The Westchester-bound bus lane will be operational Monday morning. The Rockland-bound bus lane will be available for use next year after construction of the bridge’s shared biking/pedestrian path is complete.
“The new Hudson Link bus service will be a valuable and welcomed addition to the transportation landscape in the lower Hudson Valley,” New York State Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “We look forward to Rockland and Westchester commuters having a seamless ride across the I-87/I-287 corridor and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.”
Each bus lane will be located on the right side of the road, between general travel lanes and the outside shoulder. The bus lane will be available to all vehicles seating 15 or more passengers, including Hudson Link buses, charter buses, school buses and other regional public transit buses.
State Police will be responsible for enforcing the proper use of the bus lane. The first violation will carry a fine of $150, and the penalty would escalate for any repeat violations within an 18-month period.
The Hudson Link service will feature intelligent transportation management technology with real-time traffic information for commuters. The 45-foot fully accessible buses will provide several passenger amenities on the buses, including free wireless network service, USB charging stations and bike racks on the front of the buses. The buses will be equipped with LED panels to provide passengers with real-time travel information and provide overhead storage and personal lighting for passengers.
“We have worked diligently with our partners at the Thruway Authority to improve transit service along the I-287 corridor, including over the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, for the hundreds of thousands of travelers who rely on it each year,” New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said. “With a focus on convenience and efficiency, the Hudson Link will provide safe, reliable, comfortable and convenient bus service through Rockland and Westchester counties to get commuters where they need to be.”
Schedules for the new service are available on the Hudson Link website.
