GRIDLOCK SAM: Clear the streets for essential workers, delivery trucks, and buses — and protesters

Drivers should avoid traffic jam-prone protest hotspots, such as Washington Square Park (above) in Manhattan.

Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING RULES ARE SUSPENDED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOR CORONAVIRUS PROTECTIONS

We’re still the city that never sleeps, but NYC’s 8 p.m. curfew will continue through the weekend along with protests for racial justice and against police brutality.

Protest details have mostly been kept under wraps but there have been several repeated hotspots to avoid in the late afternoon and evening, most especially the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. In Manhattan, also be wary of Times Square, Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Gracie Mansion near the FDR and 88th St. In Brooklyn, Barclays Center near Flatbush and Atlantic avenues has also drawn many protesters.

Follow me on Twitter @GridlockSam for protest updates and other late-breaking traffic news.

The curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. will continue through Sunday night. Most traffic into Manhattan south of 96th St. is banned during the curfew. Essential workers, trucks making deliveries, and buses are exempt. Yellow and green taxis are allowed at all times if they are transporting essential workers or people seeking medical treatment, but For Hire Vehicles, including Uber and Lyft, are not allowed on the road between 8 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Subway ridership and service has been increasing. The No. 7 train is now running both local and express. Most city buses are still free because you are required to board from the rear, but you are expected to pay for SBS buses at the fare machine.

Many DMV transactions can be done online, which is your best bet. Offices have started accepting mail transactions and secure drop boxes have been set up outside NYC offices to submit transactions.

The extensions for licenses, registrations, and inspections expiring in March or later continues until further notice.

Licenses requiring a vision test can now be renewed online. You can search the DMV’s Vision Registry by zip code to get a vision check, or your eye doctor can submit a report online to the DMV.

The New York State Thruway has resumed taking cash tolls, but E-ZPass is a better bet.

Enjoy this weekend’s ASP rules suspension, the next scheduled two will be for Independence days, July 3rd (the legal holiday this year) and the 4th..

Dear Gridlock Sam,

My mom needs to go to the doctor. Can she use Access-A-Ride like she used to?

Alec

Dear Alec,

Yes, she can use it, however multiple users per vehicle are not allowed for now so that may slow service. But, you or a personal attendant can travel with your mother.