Regarding Pier 17, I think it is marked "Bus Only", but not exactly sure. I'll let you all know next time I'm up there in the city, which will be within the next 30 days or so more than likely. I've been making trips up there frequently recently, with no end in site for atleast another 2 to 3 months. DC & NYC are regular runs for me, esp. DC. Regarding 46-47th Ave. in NYC, the general rule throughout the city is "No Idling" at all, generally though in most places in NYC your "OK" for about 5-10 min., however I wouldn't take a nap with the engine idling in NYC.
46-47 Ave. is no different, as an Ex-Expediter back into Tour Bus biz right now, (though I want to go back into Expediting soon-with a contract this time), 46th-47th Ave. area's are no different than the rest of the city, like everywhere else, it just depends on what cop is where. Some are more strict than others are. It generally takes me about 5-8 min. to unload my freight - oops, I mean people- (I think), and then I kill it.
At Pier 17 and most places near the "hearts" of the city, like Rockefeller, Times Square, Empire, and anywhere south of Greenwich Village (south of about 23rd/Canal St. area's) you really want to watch your idle time. Because even busses get hassled, and the fine is marked on some signs - it's states clearly on "Some" signs in NYC "No idling, fine up to $2,000". Now I've heard stories from drivers and rumors fly that the $2,000 fines are put into effect only after 5 min., some will say after repeat offenses, others will tell you to kill it after 3 minutes. Bottom Line, Don't Idle unless your in the drivers seat stuck in traffic. You gotta stop to check paperwork, pull over in a safe spot and turn on your 4-way flashers and kill the engine. Safe Spot meaning not in the way of traffic/pedestrians if possible - and NOT NEAR a Fire Hydrant. Try to stay 50 feet from a hydrant if possible, 'cause cops will hassle you on that too in NYC.
NYC is tough to drive in, I can honestly vouch for that. Why? Because I routinely drive throughout NYC and many other major cities with something thats 45 feet long. However NYC is simple once you realize the street pattern. DC is just a mess though, and that I'm sure everyone will agree with. DC and its darn traffic circles are enough to drive anybody bonkers. The problem with NYC and how it "Scares" drivers off, (in my opinion) is getting in and out of network of toll roads, bridges, and tunnels.
I use 2 maps made by StreetSmart, I think thats what it's called. They're laminated fold out color maps, that tell you which way each street goes, I have one for NYC & DC. They're about 8 bucks apiece, which is a small price to way once you realize how helpful the maps are. Where can you find them? I've gotten mine at Pier 17, at the gift shop on the corner closest to the main street, which doesn't open 'til about 10:30 AM, and closes around 8-9pm. They have a nice selection of maps there, and there's 4 kinds of NYC maps there at that gift shop closest to the street at Pier 17 at the bottom on street level, so look at each map carefully to see what works best for you. She also has some of the best prices around for NYC stuff, unless you want to bargain with the people on Canal Street, which is always fun.
*Note on Canal Street, the NYPD has been cracking down on Canal Street venders, esp. those operating out of a suitcase or off of a blanket, the ones that don't have a permit to sell. Beware of sunglass, watch, and video dealers on Canal Street.
You can get the map for DC at Union Stations gift shops, or any "real" gift shop. You can also get them in area book stores, but not in all book stores. Union Station closes at 9pm, so best to get into there by 8-830 pm if your on layover over there in that area.
I think that's enough for now here, I'll get the info on my maps and put it in this thread so everybody knows.
Big Bus'
