MTA launches second phase of Queens bus network revamp over the weekend

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) carried out a historic effort to improve transit service in New York's largest borough, Queens, with the Queens Bus Network Redesign, which was launched on August 31, 2024.

The redesign, phased in on June 29 and August 31, includes new bus routes and numbers, new rush routes, relocation and removal of stops, and route changes to reduce turns. One of the new routes, the Q80 Local, has been introduced to provide more frequent and overnight service along Lefferts Boulevard.

The B62 bus route has been rerouted and extended to Astoria Houses in Queens. Some riders, like Louise Stamp, a resident, are looking forward to taking the B62 bus from Long Island City to Brooklyn. Others appreciate the ability to see different neighborhoods and discover new shopping places and restaurants.

However, not all riders are pleased with the changes. Some have expressed frustration with delays in bus service. MTA officials used five years of feedback to build a better bus system that should provide more reliable, faster, and simplified service with better connections.

The MTA is investing $33.7 million annually for Queens bus service improvements. The changes are primarily in Northwest and Southwest Queens, including Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Howard Beach, and Far Rockaway.

Riders can use the MTA's Trip Planner, MTA app, and Bus Time to plan trips and clarify changes. Queens bus riders, as of June 29, receive a second free bus transfer on every trip if they tap to pay using the same device or card, with the first transfer made within two hours and the second within three hours.

The MTA plans to analyze the impacts of the new bus network, including changes in bus speeds, ridership, reliability, travel times, and rider satisfaction, over the first six months. The analysis will inform future adjustments to the network to ensure that service is meeting its stated goals.

The MTA has redesigned Staten Island's express bus service and the local bus network for the Bronx, with more changes expected. However, the MTA has not mentioned any changes to Staten Island's express bus service or the local bus network for the Bronx in this paragraph.

The MTA is piloting this additional free transfer for approximately six months while evaluating the new Queens bus network. If successful, it could become a permanent feature of the Queens bus system.