Certain Queens mass transit routes slashed during an MTA budget crunch have been restored — though others remain on the sideline.
The MTA announced investments to bus, subway and commuter rails throughout the city with many of the improvements going to restore lines that were cut during the agency’s 2010 fiscal crisis.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how to improve both the quality and quantity of service for our riders, and I’m pleased that these investments will make a difference in the lives of our customers,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota. “The MTA is the lifeblood of the New York region’s economy and a critical element in its environmental sustainability. With extended routes, less crowding and more frequent service, the MTA will help New York thrive.”
In Queens, riders of the Q24, Q27, Q30, Q36, Q42 and Q76 will see routes restored or improved.
Service changes for the Q76 will go into effect in October, the other lines will see the adjustments in January.
State Senator Michael Gianaris released a statement prior to the announcement calling for re-establishment of service in western Queens.
“Recent transit cuts have been a burden on western Queens residents, who rely heavily on mass transit to get to and from work every day,” Gianaris said. “While it is nice to hear the MTA speak of restorations, service improvements must include Queens, which has suffered as much as any borough due to recent cutbacks.”
He mentioned specifically the eliminated W line and QM22 bus which were not part of the restoration.
