Overview
M31 and M57 are public‑transportation bus routes operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) in the borough of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Both routes provide crosstown service along major east‑west streets—125th Street (M31) and 57th Street (M57)—connecting a range of residential, commercial, and cultural destinations and linking to numerous subway lines.
M31 (125th Street Crosstown)
- Operator: MTA New York City Transit, Division B (Brooklyn)
- Route description: The M31 travels primarily along 125th Street in Harlem, running between the intersection of Madison Avenue and 125th Street on the east side and the intersection of 5th Avenue and 125th Street on the west side. The route serves key landmarks such as the Apollo Theater, the historic Harlem Hospital Center, and several educational institutions.
- Major connections: Transfers are available to multiple subway services, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (at 125th St – Lexington Ave), the 1 (at 125th St – Broadway), and the A, C, B, D (at 125th St – St. Nicolas Ave).
- Service pattern: Weekday and weekend service operates at roughly 15‑ to 20‑minute intervals during most of the day, with reduced frequency late at night. The route runs from early morning (approximately 5:00 a.m.) until after midnight.
- History: The M31 designation was introduced as part of the MTA’s 1970s route‑renumbering scheme that organized Manhattan bus routes with “M” prefixes. The route has largely retained its 125th Street alignment, though minor adjustments have been made to accommodate traffic changes and street‑car conversions.
M57 (57th Street Crosstown)
- Operator: MTA New York City Transit, Division A (Manhattan)
- Route description: The M57 runs east‑west along 57th Street, beginning at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 57th Street in the East Village and proceeding to the intersection of 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) and 57th Street on the west side. The route passes through Midtown Manhattan, providing access to venues such as the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and the Time Warner Center.
- Major connections: Transfer points include the 1, 2, 3, F, N, Q, R, W, and S subway lines at various points (e.g., 57th St–7th Ave for the N/Q/R/W, 57th St–6th Ave for the F, and 57th St–2nd Ave for the 6). It also connects to several commuter rail stations and the MTA’s bus rapid‑transit (BRT) corridors.
- Service pattern: The M57 typically operates every 12‑15 minutes during peak periods, with slightly longer headways during off‑peak hours and on weekends. Service runs from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with limited overnight service.
- History: The M57 was established in its current form in the early 1990s, succeeding earlier crosstown services that used different route numbers. The route’s alignment has remained stable, with occasional detours for construction or special events along 57th Street.
Operational context
Both routes are part of the MTA’s effort to provide reliable crosstown connectivity, supplementing the predominantly radial (north‑south) subway system. They are equipped with standard NYCT bus features, including wheelchair‑accessible low‑floor vehicles, real‑time arrival information via the MTA’s Bus Time system, and fare payment through the contactless OMNY system.
Ridership
According to the MTA’s most recent publicly released data (Fiscal Year 2022), the M31 recorded an average weekday ridership of approximately 5,400 boardings, while the M57 averaged about 7,200 boardings. Ridership fluctuates seasonally, with higher usage during weekday commuting periods and lower volumes on weekends and holidays.
References
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “M31 Bus Route Map & Schedule.” MTA.info. Accessed 2024.
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “M57 Bus Route Map & Schedule.” MTA.info. Accessed 2024.
- MTA Bus Time Real‑Time Tracking Data, Fiscal Year 2022.
All information reflects the status of the routes as of the latest MTA publications and publicly available data.