A Quick Guide to Using New York’s Select Bus Service

Learn the basics before you use Select Bus Service in NYC

This article was updated on January 11, 2026.

On certain routes, traveling by bus is a lot quicker than it used to be. If you’ve never tried Select Bus Service in NYC, you might want to skip the cab ride and give it a go. I’ve ridden the M79 and M86 across town and I’m here to tell you that riding the bus now takes minutes thanks to Select Bus Service.

SBS or as you’ll see on the outside of the buses “+selectbusservice,” is a form of rapid transit that the MTA launched in 2008, so it’s far from new. The initiative provides dedicated bus lanes, and signal priority at lights on high-traffic bus routes. The aim is to offer faster more reliable service to New Yorkers, and this expanding program does just that.

Haven’t tried SBS yet? Go ahead, but read this first. Here are the basics and how to use Select Bus Service in NYC.

Select Bus Service NYC bus routes 

As of the writing of this blog post, there are 20 Select Bus Service lines on 17 different corridors. Every borough in New York City has at least one SBS route.

In The Bronx: Bx12, Bx41, Bx6

In Manhattan: M15, M34, M34A, M60, M86, M23, M79, M14A, 14D

In Brooklyn: B44, B46, B82

In Queens: Q44, Q70, Q52, Q53

In Staten Island: S79

{BOOK A HOTEL FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO NEW YORK}

Buying a ticket for Select Bus Service in NYC

The fare for SBS is the same as the subway and local and limited bus service, or $3.00 per trip. Since MetroCards have been phased out, you’ll need to tap your phone or credit card when you enter the bus. If you don’t, at any time an agent could come on the bus (or wait at a bus stop) and check for your receipt, then issue you a $100 ticket (fare evasion summons) for neglecting to pay for your ride. So ALWAYS pay for your ride.  Your card or phone will be your receipt that you paid.

Tip: If you transfer from another bus or a subway, use the same payment method so you’re not charged a second time.

Boarding a Select Service bus

You’ll find that taking this bus is super speedy because you can enter and exit all doors of the bus. Yes, you can get on in the rear, the middle, or the front of the bus and exit the same door or a different door. Just get on and off as quickly (and safely) as possible so the bus can stay on schedule.

Transferring to another bus or a subway

If you transfer to another bus or a subway after riding the SBS bus, use the same payment method so you’re not charged a second time. Keep your card or phone app handy so you can tap again when you transfer buses. Transfers on both buses and subways are good for two hours. Check your bank account but you should only be charged one fare or $3.00.

The future of Select Bus Service in NYC

High ridership on New York City buses almost guarantees that Select Bus Service in NYC will continue to expand. More SBS routes are likely coming, which means more New Yorkers will travel to their destinations in less time. And that alone means happier New Yorkers. ;)

Select Bus Service has saved me a lot of time on my trips across Central Park, from the west side to the east side and back. But there’s nothing like walking through Central Park and seeing the sights or even biking within the park. I recommend a walking tour or  a bike tour of Central Park.

Have you tried Select Bus Service in NYC? I’d love to hear about your experience!

And want to get out of the city? Check out these great road trips. Also, how to prevent disasters when you travel.

And for days out in NYC, my go-to bag. I never leave home without it. Plus, book your next trip to New York.