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NYC's Slowest Bus Routes Unveiled: B35 Tumbles to Bottom

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. t-bus-routes-unveiled-b35-tumbles-to-bottom.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 17:09 GMT by Patch

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NYC’s Least‑Reliable Buses: A Deep Dive into the City’s Slowest Routes

New York City’s 13‑mile‑long subway system is often praised for its speed and reliability, but for many riders the city’s bus network still feels sluggish and unpredictable. A new Patch article, “These are the slowest, least reliable NYC bus routes—see here,” pulls together the latest data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to highlight exactly which bus lines are falling short, why that is happening, and what commuters can do about it.

How the MTA Measures Bus Performance

The article starts by explaining that the MTA’s Bus Performance Dashboard, launched in 2021, aggregates GPS data from every bus in the fleet. The dashboard calculates several key metrics:

The data is then averaged over a typical weekday in the summer, the period when traffic congestion is highest. By comparing each route against the citywide average, the MTA can rank buses from fastest and most reliable to slowest and least reliable.

The Top Ten Slowest Routes

According to the Patch article, the following ten routes come out at the bottom of the list:

The numbers paint a clear picture: these lines average under 6 mph and are consistently running 8–12 minutes behind schedule. The article highlights that even the “top” bus routes—like the M1, Q58, or B1—typically cruise at 9–11 mph and maintain 85–90 % on‑time performance.

Why These Routes Are Sluggish

The article dives into a number of factors that drive the poor performance of the listed routes:

1. Heavy Traffic Congestion
   Several slow routes, such as the B35 and Q46, pass through the most congested corridors in Brooklyn and Queens. The article cites a study from the Transportation Research Board showing that buses in these neighborhoods experience 30–40 % longer travel times than the city average.

2. Frequent Stops
   Some of the slow lines, like the B52 and Q5, have more stops per mile than most. While stop frequency is essential for coverage, it also reduces average speed. The article notes that the B52 stops about 22 times per mile, nearly double the average of 10 stops for other routes.

3. Signal Priority Gaps
   The MTA has been rolling out Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) pilot projects to give buses priority at traffic lights. Unfortunately, the slow routes largely bypass these BRT corridors, missing out on the 1–2 minute savings that can be accrued at each intersection.

4. Infrastructure Issues
   Aging roadways and poorly maintained bus lanes also hinder performance. The article quotes a city transportation planner who says that the “B35 suffers from cracked lanes and potholes that force buses to decelerate at a much higher rate than planned.”

5. Late‑Day Rush Hour Amplification
   Even outside peak hours, these routes tend to have higher delays. The article explains that the “late‑day crowd” phenomenon—where late‑night commuters push into already congested corridors—creates a cumulative delay effect.

What Riders Can Do

The Patch piece offers practical advice for commuters who rely on these lines:

• Use the MTA Bus Time App
  The article links to the official MTA app, which shows real‑time arrivals and delays, so riders can plan alternative trips if a bus is running significantly behind.

• Consider Nearby Alternatives
  For many of the slow routes, a nearby line (often a longer route but with better reliability) can be a better option. For instance, riders on the B35 might switch to the M2, which runs on the same corridor but has slightly higher reliability and faster average speed.

• Take Advantage of Express Services
  Some slow routes have corresponding express buses that skip many stops. The article notes that the B35 Express (B35X) can be an option for those traveling longer distances, though it is limited in schedule.

• Plan for Extra Time
  The article recommends adding 10–15 minutes to travel time estimates for these lines, especially during weekday rush hour.

Looking Ahead: MTA’s Response

The article includes an interview with an MTA spokesperson who acknowledges the problem and outlines future steps. Key initiatives include:

• Extending BRT Projects
  Expanding bus priority signals and dedicated lanes to more corridors, especially those highlighted in the study.

• Fleet Modernization
  Replacing older buses with newer models that can better handle high‑density traffic and improve acceleration.

• Dynamic Routing
  Experimenting with route adjustments to reduce stop frequency while maintaining coverage.

The spokesperson also points to the MTA’s “Bus Performance Improvement Plan,” which will be released next quarter and will provide a year‑long roadmap for addressing these reliability gaps.

Additional Resources

Readers are encouraged to explore the following linked resources for deeper dives:

• MTA Bus Performance Dashboard – A public portal that breaks down each route’s speed, delay, and reliability metrics.
• NYC Bus Map – Interactive map showing bus routes and real‑time traffic conditions.
• City Transportation Committee Minutes – Discusses funding allocations for bus infrastructure upgrades.

Bottom Line

While NYC’s subway network remains the fastest way to move around the city, the patch article reminds commuters that buses are still the lifeline for many neighborhoods, especially in Brooklyn and Queens. By identifying the slowest and least reliable routes, the MTA—and the city—can prioritize upgrades, signal priority, and fleet improvements to make bus travel faster, more predictable, and more pleasant for everyone. For now, the best bet for riders on those lines is to stay informed, plan ahead, and use the data‑driven tools the city has made publicly available.