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MTA’s new bus simulators let drivers practice NYC chaos before the road
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 19, 2026
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Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 19, 2026
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Before they brave New York City traffic, bus drivers can now test their skills safely inside new simulators from the MTA.
The simulators, which cost the MTA a total of $1.4 million, update technology the agency has used for years to train drivers, officials said.
Thousands of bus operators are expected to train on the new systems, which are designed to replicate the layouts of diesel, hybrid, electric and articulated buses, giving trainees an experience close to the real thing.
The simulators are also customizable, allowing instructors to create specific scenarios during training.
One simulator is located at Brooklyn’s Spring Creek Depot, with three others at the Zerega Training Center in the Bronx.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said the agency is “already seeing the benefits” of the new technology.
“These simulators help bus operators quickly build the skills and confidence to navigate NYC streets – safely and speedily – even before they hit the road,” he said in a statement on Sunday
The MTA said at least 4,300 bus operators will train on the simulators each year.
Tagged
new york city
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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