By Philip Newman
In addition, transit officials say bus rapid transit (BRT) – the express bus service using such innovations as censors that keep traffic lights green until buses pass intersections – is scheduled to start on Hillside Avenue, although no start-up date is given.Approval of congestion pricing would bring the following new bus routes:Three new express routes from Northeast Queens to Lower Manhattan.A new express route from College Point to Manhattan.A new local route from 21st Street near LaGuardia Airport to Midtown.A new local route from Flushing to the LIRR station at Woodside.A new local route from Metropolitan Avenue to Lower Manhattan.Three express buses on QM3 route from Douglaston to Manhattan.The two new local buses on Q84 route from Laurelton to Jamaica.The two new local buses on Q27 Limited route from Cambria Heights to Flushing.The two new local buses on Q43 route from Glen Oaks to Jamaica.The two new local buses on Q4 route Cambria Heights to Jamaica.The two new local buses on Q54 Williamsburg Bridge to Jamaica.Three new local buses on Q12 from Douglaston to Flushing.Two new local buses on Q28 from Bay Terrace to Flushing.Two new local buses on Q14 from Whitestone to Flushing.Six new local buses on Q31 from Auburndale to Jamaica.Two new local buses on Q39 from route Glendale to Long Island City.Two new local buses on Q64 from route Fresh Meadows to Forest Hills.Two new local buses on Q60 from route South Jamaica to Manhattan.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the new bus routes were aimed at neighborhoods with higher numbers of auto commuters and poor access to mass transit.The MTA said approval of congestion pricing would also bring increased service on the No. 1, E and F subway trains and longer trains on the C line.The new transit service would be possible through a grant of nearly $350 million from the federal government dependant on approval of congestion pricing.Under the congestion pricing system, motorists who drive into Manhattan below 60th Street would be charged $8, and $21 for trucks. Proceeds would go to improve mass transit.Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 178-229-0300, Ext. 136.
