The MBTA’s board of directors has approved a new plan to use automated cameras on buses and at stops to fine drivers who park or stop in bus lanes or at stops.
The state passed a new law in January opening the door for this type of ticketing. The goal of the program is to stop people from parking at the bus stops and in the bus lanes.
Getting around Boston can be a full contact sport.
“It is incredibly frustrating,” said Jamie Bissonnette.
Especially on a bus.
“People are stopping to drop off packages, to pick people up, to wait for somebody,” Bissonnette said.
“The bus has to stop, wait for an opportunity to get into the other lane and then go around,” added Maribeth Crane.
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, the MBTA is launching automated camera enforcement that will send a ticket to any driver who stops or parks in a bus stop or bus lane.
“So there is a lot of things that can go wrong when buses can’t access the curb,” said Alexendra Hallowell, director of transit priority for the MBTA. “And when they are blocked, riders using wheelchairs or walkers are prevented from accessing service.”
The fines for passenger cars start at $25 and increase to $125. Commercial vehicles start at $50. The T said there will be a large education campaign out of the gate, with warnings. Some people contend the fines need to be higher.
“No, it’s not enough,” one person told us. “My wife and I were talking about this this morning. It should be $500 right off the rip.”
This will all kick off in January with a two-month educational campaign. The MBTA said there are strict rules to help keep privacy, including only keeping the bus camera video for a limited time.