> they have measurably improved commutes

By how much? 1%, 5%... or? It's measured so what's the measurement?

> and parking in them is in fact illegal

And all you have to prove this is a snapshot. Which are not accurate and is the basis for the entire thread here. And people who didn't commit any crime have been charged. So there is clearly an open question as to how many of these pictures appear to be illegal versus how many actually are.

> so why the air quotes?

Those are actual quotes and you've projected your assumptions into my actions. Did it harm your ability to understand what I wrote? If not then why make an issue of it?

They meant scare quotes.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scare%20quotes

While they may be “quotes” of stuff from the original (which that technically was) the intent was clear.

Measurable and positive does not mean worthwhile. (Though I suspect that many bus lanes are in fact worthwhile but that's beside the point.)

Furthermore, there's always someone who benefits and will lie with statistics to keep the gravy going.