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       Some bus companies may employ a number of different elements to improve the speed and reliability of buses and the customer experience. The New York City Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Mass Transit, and the MTA have conducted in-depth studies of each Select Bus Service corridor and solicited extensive public feedback to develop appropriate improvements for each corridor. These improvements may include:
       Improved road markings will improve the visibility of bus lanes. Many bus lanes are painted a dark red terracotta colour, and all bus lanes have white markings designated for buses only. The red colour has been helpful as it has made drivers aware of the bus lanes and not drive or park in the lanes during restricted hours.
       A hard shoulder bus lane is a lane for the use of buses running along the hard shoulder. Hard shoulder bus lanes are only available at certain times of the day and are open to regular vehicle traffic at other times. Hours of operation can be found on the hard shoulder traffic signs.
       An offset bus lane is a bus lane that is one lane further back from the curb. These lanes are used by buses, as well as right-turning vehicles and emergency vehicles. The lane next to the curb may be used for parking, loading and unloading, or not be obstructed at all.
       Bus lane cameras are used to enforce bus lane regulations on certain city streets; cameras may only be used on certain corridors authorized by the New York State Legislature. All potential violations captured by the cameras are reviewed by DOT staff before issuing a citation to ensure that a violation has occurred. On all corridors, the Department of Transportation works closely with the NYPD to enforce bus lane regulations. All transit lane violations are reviewed by the Department of the Treasury, not the Department of Transportation.
       Fare collection is performed by passengers using a MetroCard or coins at ticket machines at Select Bus Service stops before boarding. Passengers can then board the bus through any door without presenting a ticket to the driver. This significantly reduces the time the bus spends at the station compared to the traditional method of boarding one at a time through the front door. NYCT employs ticket inspectors who can randomly check tickets to ensure they are valid; passengers without tickets will be issued a $100 fare evasion fine.
       A bus stop loop is where the sidewalk widens to meet a bus lane or regular traffic lane. Bus stop loops provide more waiting space, more space for amenities such as bus shelters, benches and greenery, and allow buses to enter and exit the station directly without stopping. The stops also feature high curbs, where possible, almost flush with the floor of Select Bus Service buses, making boarding and alighting easier and quicker for all passengers.
       The bus signal priority system uses GPS to track a bus approaching an intersection and turns the green light on earlier or extends the green light duration, allowing the bus to continue through the intersection and reducing overall travel time. Implementing bus signal priority also involves coordinating the traffic signals for all vehicles on the corridor, thereby reducing travel time for buses and other vehicles on the street.
       Minimal distances between bus stops allow buses to travel faster without making frequent stops. Some bus routes have a simple route pattern with stops spaced further apart than on normal bus routes, such as at major destinations or transfer points. Local buses will continue to serve all stops as normal.
       Real-time arrival information provides riders with information about how close the next bus is and is provided by the MTA bus schedule system. Up-to-date information is available on bus stop displays, via mobile phones, or the Internet.
       Upgraded signs along all routes will clearly indicate when bus lanes are dedicated. At a minimum, there will be one sign per block, positioned so that it is clearly visible to drivers. In addition, large overhead signs will be installed along the corridor to ensure that traffic rules are clear.
       Pedestrian and driver safety is an important aspect of SBS design. Features such as ramps and pedestrian islands can be used to reduce the length of crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety, while improved street design can improve the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.