The walkability of New York City is one of its many incredible strengths.
From long, weekend morning strolls with the ones we love most, to the convenience of being able to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood without having to think twice about transit, parking or delays, you really can’t beat the convenience of our beloved boroughs and their the pedestrian-friendly design.
And it’s about to get even better.
In a press release from Monday, March 9th, the NYC Department of Transit revealed what promises to be a “once-in-a-generation upgrades for pedestrians and bus riders.”
The project—titled “The 14th Street Plan: Keeping People Moving and Business Booming”—will kick off with community engagement later this month and is expected to lead to sweeping upgrades for pedestrians, bus riders, cyclists, and public spaces along the corridor.
🛣️ Building on the Success of the 14th Street Busway
The redesign builds on the remarkable success of the 14th Street busway, first introduced in 2019.
Since its implementation, the corridor has become a model for transit-focused street design in New York.
According to NYC DOT, bus speeds along the corridor have increased by as much as 24 percent, while ridership has climbed by up to 30 percent, demonstrating the strong demand for reliable crosstown transit.
City officials say the next phase will move beyond temporary street treatments—like paint and signage—to deliver permanent, capital-level improvements that enhance the entire public realm from river to river.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated:
The 14th Street busway is already a success—faster buses, higher ridership, safer streets. But we’re not stopping at a coat of paint. We’re taking it to the next level with greenery, pedestrian space, and stronger safety infrastructure.
🗽 A $3 Million Study to Shape the Future of 14th Street
At the heart of the initiative is a $3 million, 24-month planning study that will guide the corridor’s redesign. The study aims to develop a comprehensive blueprint for improving the street experience for approximately 28,000 daily bus riders and the hundreds of thousands of people who pass through the corridor each day.
Planned improvements may include:
- Expanded pedestrian plazas and park spaces
- New landscaping and greenery
- Upgraded streetscape design
- Enhanced safety infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists
- Improved connections between surrounding neighborhoods and public spaces
The redesign will extend beyond the main corridor itself.
NYC DOT plans to evaluate connections from Avenue B to Union Square Park, as well as routes along Irving Place, Broadway, and University Place.
The improvements will also link the corridor westward toward the Meatpacking District and the waterfront at Hudson River Park.
👪 Community Input
City leaders state that public feedback will be central to the process.
The planning initiative will include workshops, surveys, and community outreach efforts to ensure residents, commuters, and local businesses have a voice in shaping the corridor’s future.
The first public workshop will take place on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at the Pratt Institute campus on West 14th Street. Community members can drop in anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to share ideas, review concepts, and help inform the design process.
❤️ A Model for the Future of New York Streets
What began as a practical solution during disruptions to the L train has evolved into one of the city’s most successful transit experiments. Now, with a comprehensive redesign underway, officials hope the corridor will evolve into a world-class boulevard—one that prioritizes safe mobility, thriving businesses, and vibrant public spaces for generations of New Yorkers.
To learn more about the project, visit it’s official homepage.
