The M11 is a public transit bus route operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) under the New York City Transit (NYCT) division. It provides crosstown service on the west side of Manhattan, primarily along 11th Avenue and portions of 12th Avenue, connecting the neighborhoods of West Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, and the Upper West Side.
Route description
- Northern terminus: West 59th Street & 11th Avenue (near the West Side Highway).
- Southern terminus: West 14th Street & 12th Avenue (near the Hudson River Park).
- The route travels south on 11th Avenue, makes a brief eastward deviation onto 12th Avenue between 34th and 30th Streets, and continues to its southern terminus. Service patterns may include short-turn trips that terminate at intermediate points such as West 34th Street.
Operational details
- Operator: New York City Transit, a subsidiary of the MTA.
- Service type: Local bus service with limited-stop (Limited) and Select Bus Service (SBS) variants historically considered but not currently implemented.
- Service hours: The M11 operates from early morning (approximately 5:30 a.m.) until late night (approximately 1:00 a.m.), with reduced frequency during overnight hours.
- Frequency: Weekday daytime service typically runs every 10–15 minutes; weekend and off‑peak frequencies are lower.
Historical background
- The M11 route was established in the early 20th century as part of Manhattan’s expanding streetcar and later bus network. It succeeded a former streetcar line that ran along the same corridor.
- In the 1970s, the route was converted from streetcar to bus operation, aligning with the broader phase‑out of streetcars in New York City.
- Over subsequent decades, the M11 has undergone multiple adjustments to its routing and termini to accommodate changes in traffic patterns, construction projects (e.g., the Hudson Yards development), and ridership demand.
Ridership
- According to MTA ridership statistics, the M11 carries several hundred thousand passenger trips annually. Exact figures vary year to year and are published in the MTA’s annual ridership reports.
Infrastructure and fleet
- The route is serviced primarily by low‑floor, diesel‑electric hybrid buses that meet the MTA’s accessibility standards, including wheelchair ramps and priority seating.
- Bus stops along the M11 are equipped with standard NYCT signage, real‑time arrival information displays, and, where applicable, fare‑payment machines that accept the OMNY contactless payment system.
Connections
- The M11 provides connections to multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and 7 at stations such as 59th Street–Columbus Circle, 34th Street–Penn Station, and 14th Street–Eighth Avenue.
- It also interlinks with other bus routes serving Manhattan’s west side, such as the M12, M14A/D, and M20.
Recent developments
- As of the latest MTA service updates (2023–2024), the M11 continues to operate under its existing routing, with occasional service adjustments due to road construction, special events, or seasonal schedule changes.
- The MTA has evaluated the feasibility of implementing a Select Bus Service (SBS) variant for the M11 to improve travel times, but no definitive plan has been adopted.
References
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “M11 Bus Route Map.” MTA.info. Accessed 2024.
- MTA Annual Ridership Reports, 2019‑2022.
- “History of Manhattan Bus Routes.” New York City Transit Archive, 2021.