MTA shares new plan to redesign Queens bus routes
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The MTA released its latest draft of its attempt to redesign Queens’ bus network. Map via MTA
By Rachel Vick
The Metropolitan Transit Authority released its 515-page third draft of its plan to redesign Queens’ bus network Monday, as the transit agency continues to attempt to improve riders’ experiences and reduce congestion on Queens streets.
The new draft, which the public will soon have an opportunity to comment on, sees the elimination of thousands of stops and includes new routes that will shuttle riders from transit deserts to subway stations along an express route, among other changes to the bus network.
Lawmakers and advocates contacted by the Eagle said they’re still working through the extensive report, but remain hopeful that the much-needed redesign will provide relief to riders in transit-strapped areas of the borough.
“The Queens New Draft Plan is the third to be released, but in some ways, may be the most important of the five because Queens has, historically, had less subway service relative to its size and population than the other boroughs,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The New Draft Plan reimagines both local and express service to address the evolving needs of Queens communities, with a focus on more reliable service, faster travel, better connections, and ease of use.”
The MTA highlighted several neighborhoods to have their buses streamlined and updated to better meet community needs in areas without alternative transit. The new plan included 11,000 comments from the MTA's first round of public engagement into account, according to the MTA.
Among the concerns expressed during earlier hearings was the lack of connection to subways and accessible stations, due to both route changes and existing gaps in service.
The MTA highlighted 24 roadways for further review that they said had high potential for bus lanes and promised additional data about changes in schedules and frequency.
Transit advocate group Riders Alliance told the Eagle that though they were still working through the 500 page report, proposed rush routes to connect Eastern Queens with subway terminals are among the more promising additions to the MTA’s plan.
"After several decades of slow and unreliable commutes, Queens bus riders badly need better service and faster trips,” said Danny Pearlstein. “The MTA's bus network redesign plays an important role in bringing communities together and connecting people with jobs, education, healthcare, and other necessities. “
“The redesign is a critical moment to reinvest in the only public transit service that reaches every neighborhood of the city's biggest borough," he added.
Councilmember Linda Lee, who represents neighborhoods in bus-reliant Eastern Queens, is also still reviewing the plan. Her predecessor Barry Grodenchik condemned the earlier version of the plan for cutting service along Little Neck Parkway.
The new plan introduces Q45, which would run weekdays between Jamaica and the neighborhood on the borderline of Nassau County.
“Buses are the only public transit option in my district, and Eastern Queens deserves investments that provide our residents with reliable commutes throughout the rest of the city,” said Lee, who co-chairs the Council’s Queens Delegation. “I appreciate the MTA's effort to make bus routes quicker and more reliable, and my team and I are going through the plan with a fine-toothed comb to make sure that more, not fewer, people in Eastern Queens are able to ride the bus each day.”
Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, who represents the Rockaways, lamented the lack of access for residents of the peninsula, where there is one subway line and two express bus lines not currently facing changes in frequency.
“Expanding and revamping our bus network is a cost-effective way for New York to propel its transit system forward, especially as we look to expand access to essential workers living in transit deserts and redirect existing lines to connect more riders to the subway system,” Anderson said. “I greatly look forward to the MTA's public education workshops in the coming months, and I strongly urge the community to join and make their voices heard in this upcoming process."
There will be a virtual hearing for each community board in Queens for riders to voice their take and help inform the final plan while learning more about the draft. Comments can be made online at new.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign.
Public hearing schedule
Community Board 1 on April 18th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 2 on April 21st - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 3 on Tuesday, April 26th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 4 on Thursday, April 28th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 5 on Wednesday, May 4th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 6 on Thursday, May 5th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 7 on Tuesday, May 10th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 8 on Thursday, May 12th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 9 on Monday, May 16th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 10 on Tuesday, May 24th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 11 on Tuesday, May 24th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 12 on Thursday, May 26th - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 13 on Tuesday, May 31st - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Board 14 on Thursday, June 2nd - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
