Article · NYC311

The Department of Transportation (DOT) CityBench program installs durable benches at bus stops, in retail corridors, and in areas with large numbers of senior citizens. Using funds from the federal government, the CityBench program increases the amount of public seating on New York City streets, making streets more comfortable for transit riders and pedestrians, especially those that are older or disabled.

The first set of locations will be bus stops that do not meet requirements for bus shelters. The installations will be distributed throughout all five boroughs.

A CityBench is for use by the general public and is not restricted to tenants of any particular building or patrons of any particular business.

Learn more about the CityBench program.

Cost

DOT covers the costs of installing the benches. The CityBench program is funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

Bench Location Requirements

A CityBench requires a minimum sidewalk width of 12 feet from building to curb. It can't be placed directly opposite a building entrance or cellar door.

Any individual or organization can request the installation of a CityBench. The adjacent property owner and local community board will be notified of the application. When requesting a bench, you can indicate your preference for a backed bench or a backless bench.

You can submit your request online or request a paper application.

Online

Request a new CityBench.

By Mail

Call 311 to request a paper copy.

Maintenance and Snow Removal

You can report damaged or missing benches to DOT. Benches may be relocated or removed by the City due to construction or other activity.

By law, property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks around benches clean and cleared of snow.

Report a damaged or missing CityBench.

You can also email photos of damaged benches to citybench@dot.nyc.gov.

Removal or Relocation

If a bench needs to be relocated or removed due to construction activity, changes to bus stop locations, or another reason, you can send your request by email to citybench@dot.nyc.gov.

Bench Request

Installation

Maintenance, Removal, or Relocation