MTA to Overhaul Queens Bus Network, New Routes and Better Service on the Horizon for 2.3 Million Residents

After years marked by frustration and delay, Queens residents are poised to see a transformative redesign of their bus network, which the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) says will better serve the borough's 2.3 million inhabitants. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber announced that the agency is pressing ahead with plans to update bus routes, aiming to untangle the chaotic transit map that has changed little since the era of trolley services. According to Gothamist, the redesign would increase frequency and expand hours for 20 routes and introduce 25 new rush routes, all part of an effort to better align bus travel with rail services.

The MTA's proposed plan involves significantly revamping the current system of 113 routes to a total of 121. This initiative anticipates addressing the reliability issues plaguing the network where on-time performance hovers at around 73%. "Those riders, they deserve a system that’s faster than walking. That’s the minimum folks: faster than walking," Lieber was quoted as saying by NBC New York. Lieber echoed these sentiments in a statement where he highlighted the role buses play within the landscape of equity, labeling them "engines of equity," especially for communities reliant on public transportation for essential activities.

While the proposal has been met with a mix of optimism and caution, the MTA has expressed its commitment by conducting more than 70 outreach events to gather community input, as detailed by Gothamist. In addition to restructuring routes, the plan will also eliminate certain bus stops to expedite travel, though the MTA has not specified the number of stops affected. The proposal is set to come before the MTA board in the upcoming months, pending their much-anticipated vote of approval.

Implementing the new design before congestion pricing takes effect is a concern for some city officials. Queens City Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers has serious concerns about the proposal, considering the timing of the congestion pricing program's start in spring or summer 2024. "While I appreciate the intention, I have serious concerns about the proposal at hand," Brooks-Powers told NBC New York. Despite these challenges, State Sen. Leroy Comrie expressed a hopeful note: "We have faith in the MTA. They are now starting to deliver projects on time."