MTA Takes Over Queens Surface

On Sunday, the MTA officially assumed control of the 19 bus lines and an estimated 43,000 riders previously serviced by the Queens Surface Corporation.
It was the end of an era for the nearly 150-year-old company’s endeavors in Queens transit.
“I wish to say farewell to the passengers and employees of Queens Surface who contributed to the success of the corporation for so many years,” said president Myra Burke in a statement on Queens Surface’s website Monday. “I am very grateful for the patronage of our riders and the dedication of our family of workers.”
The $9.5 million deal culminated months of delayed deadlines and back-and-forth negotiations to bring each of the seven privately-owned bus franchises of Queens under the control of the MTA.
The chairman of the City Council’s Transportation committee worried aloud, however, about the level of service commuters would see as a result of the takeover.
“It is good to finally see the City Administration handing over these private bus lines to the MTA,” said Councilmember John Liu. “However, our biggest concern is that [they] will now immediately cut services or bus routes. The Authority needs to assure the riding public of its commitment to maintain critical service levels.”
The takeover finally got underway in January with Liberty Lines and will continue through April with New York, Command, Green, Jamaica and Triboro Coach lines.