Bogotá Considers New York-Style Bus Lane Control

Officials in Bogotá, Colombia are evaluating a plan to improve bus speeds by controlling bus lanes with cameras, mirroring a successful program in New York City. New York City’s bus lane control system, using both fixed and onboard cameras, has increased bus speeds by 30% and reduced crashes by 20%.

The city recently launched a program to expand its network of exclusive bus lanes to 270 kilometers. Bogotá authorized the legal framework for camera-controlled bus lanes in 2023 and initiated limited pilot programs in 2025.

These early tests yielded minimal improvements in travel times and faced public criticism for being perceived as traps for drivers. However, a new study shows that 40.8% of residents near the proposed “Green Corridor” on Carrera Séptima support the intervention.

Implementing a robust camera control system on Carrera Séptima could potentially save commuters six minutes per trip, offering a faster and less expensive solution than building a full BRT corridor. The new Secretary of Mobility, María Fernanda Ortíz, is positioned to lead this effort.