Opinion: When it comes to transportation, the MTA must get the bus redesign right

A map of the MTA’s proposed bus network redesign in Queens. Map via MTA

By Selvena Brooks-Powers and Daneek Miller

When tourists think of New York City public transportation, it’s the subway system that comes to mind. The New York City subway is one of the most widely recognized forms of public transportation to people across the globe. But it’s New York City buses that knit together many of our communities, particularly those lacking access to the core transit network.

Currently, there are over 250 local and express bus routes. These routes are utilized by nearly two out of every 10 New Yorkers, with a higher share of older adults depending on buses for transportation. It is essential that our bus network receive the necessary care and attention from the MTA to ensure high-quality service citywide.

Recently, the MTA announced its proposed final plan for the Queens Bus Network Redesign. While the redesign signals an investment in improving bus service, it also means significant changes to the network throughout the borough, which has raised some concerns among riders throughout Queens. That is why it is more important than ever for community members to make their voices heard.

Throughout New York City’s history, there are examples of community engagement done right, as well as done disastrously wrong. Robert Moses famously rammed highways through communities of color in every borough, including in Queens, and frequently ignored the concerns of the people living in these neighborhoods as he destroyed homes and livelihoods.

The redesign will entail changes to routes and removals of some stops that residents know and use every day. Input from the community can help ensure that changes work for the community.

This is especially necessary as the implementation of the MTA’s congestion pricing nears and the need for adequate and expanded bus service grows significantly. These new tolls on drivers traveling to Manhattan’s Central Business District will mean our communities will rely more than ever on transit to reach the city center. This makes it even more imperative that the MTA get this redesign right, not only for local bus routes, but with respect to expanded express bus routes and service into Manhattan and back to Queens on weekdays and weekends. The bus is a critical resource for outer-borough neighborhoods, and it must remain affordable and accessible.

To provide feedback directly to the MTA, you may visit https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/bus-network-redesign, if you missed one of the MTA’s in-person outreach events that took place throughout Queens.

This is just one of many opportunities to provide meaningful, community-oriented feedback on transportation projects impacting your neighborhood, not just the bus redesign. Every community board across New York City has a transportation committee, where agencies like the MTA and the Department of Transportation are regularly presenting on new projects. Anyone can attend these meetings and provide feedback on projects under consideration.

Without the input of the people living in our neighborhoods, projects often fail to meet our needs. So we encourage you to make your voice heard – on the MTA’s proposed bus redesign, and on projects to come that will impact the way we live. And, moreso, we call on the MTA to truly incorporate community feedback on the final outcome of the Queens Redesign.

Nearly a million Queens commuters depend on it.

Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers serves as chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and represents District 31 in Queens. Daneek Miller is a former councilmember of District 27 and the former president of ATU Local 1056