To be clear, nothing can replace our public transit system. Without functional and reliable subway and bus service, New York City would grind to a halt. Buses are a big part of the solution, as the city has already proven with its successful Select Bus Service program, which gives buses more priority in traffic. But bicycling can play an important role, considering that most transit trips are relatively short: About half of subway trips are five miles or less, and over half of bus trips are three miles or less.