What Is Select Bus Service?
Select Bus Service (SBS) is the MTA's version of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) — a system designed to make high-demand bus routes faster and more reliable. SBS routes are identifiable by the "SBS" designation after the route number (e.g., M15-SBS, B44-SBS) and by their distinctive red buses at many stops.
How SBS Differs from a Regular Bus
The key improvements that make SBS faster than standard local bus routes include:
- Off-board fare payment: You pay at a curbside machine before boarding, eliminating the slowdown at the fare box.
- All-door boarding: You can enter through any door on the bus — not just the front — dramatically reducing dwell time at stops.
- Dedicated bus lanes: Many SBS routes run in lanes reserved solely for buses, keeping them out of general traffic.
- Fewer stops: SBS routes stop less frequently than local buses, covering longer distances between stops (similar to express service).
- Transit signal priority: Traffic signals on some SBS corridors are timed to give buses a green-light advantage.
How to Pay on an SBS Bus
This is the most important thing to get right before boarding:
- Find the SBS fare machine on the sidewalk near the bus stop (usually a gray or blue kiosk).
- Tap your OMNY card/device or insert/swipe your MetroCard.
- The machine prints a time-stamped receipt. Keep this — it's your proof of payment.
- Board through any door when the bus arrives.
- If an MTA fare inspector boards, present your receipt. Riding without paying is subject to a fine.
Note: You can also use OMNY to tap in at the SBS reader on the bus door itself, so carrying a receipt isn't always required if you're using a contactless payment method.
Current SBS Routes in NYC
As of 2025, there are SBS routes serving all five boroughs. Some of the busiest and most useful include:
| Route | Corridor | Borough(s) |
|---|---|---|
| M15-SBS | 1st & 2nd Avenues | Manhattan |
| B44-SBS | Nostrand Avenue | Brooklyn |
| Bx12-SBS | Fordham Road | Bronx |
| Q44-SBS | Jamaica Avenue / Parsons Blvd | Queens / Bronx |
| S79-SBS | Richmond Avenue / Hylan Blvd | Staten Island |
SBS vs. Express Bus: What's the Difference?
SBS and express buses are often confused but serve different purposes. SBS runs within or between neighborhoods on high-volume corridors with frequent service. Express buses (marked with an "X" in the route number) run longer-distance commutes — typically from outer boroughs into Manhattan — with limited stops and a higher fare.
Tips for First-Time SBS Riders
- Always pay at the kiosk before the bus arrives — don't wait until you see it coming.
- Download the MTA Bus Time app to track your bus in real time.
- OMNY users can tap on the door-mounted reader directly — no receipt needed.
- SBS stops are spaced further apart, so check the map before heading to your stop.