Queens commuters frustrated with inadequate bus service can look forward to improvements as the MTA plans to enhance service on several key routes next year. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the upgrades, which will impact 24 bus lines across New York City, include a significant boost for Queens riders.
Starting this spring, several Queens routes will operate at increased frequency or with better timing, offering more reliable options for local and express transit.
Among the impacted routes in Queens are:
- BM5 (Spring Creek-Linden Blvd-Woodhaven Blvd-Midtown)
- Q13 (Flushing-Ft. Totten)
- Q28 (Bayside-Flushing)
- Q35 (Rockaway Park-Midwood)
- Q43 (Jamaica-Floral Park)
- Q66 (Flushing-Long Island City
- Q69 (Long Island City-Astoria)
- QM15 (Lindenwood-Cross Bay Blvd-Woodhaven Blvd-Midtown)
The improvements aim to shorten commutes and make travel more convenient for Queens residents who rely on these buses for work, education, and daily life. “Buses are the engine of equity in our city,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “As we continue to address the scourge of traffic congestion, especially the economic, environmental, and safety impacts, the MTA continues to prioritize service for our bus riders.”
The enhancements reflect a broader push to improve transit across all five boroughs. The MTA’s upgrades will also impact routes in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, with the exact launch date to be announced later. Danny Pearlstein of the Riders Alliance highlighted that increasing bus frequency and modifying schedules are critical to improving service citywide.
In Queens, routes such as the Q66 and Q69 connect major hubs like Flushing and Long Island City, while the Q43 links Jamaica to Floral Park. Express routes like the QM15 provide crucial access to Midtown Manhattan for residents in areas like Lindenwood and Woodhaven.
Brooklyn and Bronx commuters also to see benefits
Beyond Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx will also receive much-needed bus service upgrades. The B17 (Crown Heights-Canarsie), B26 (Fulton St-Ridgewood), and B103 (Canarsie-Downtown Brooklyn) are among the lines benefiting in Brooklyn. In the Bronx, commuters on the Bx10 (Riverdale-Norwood) and Bx28/Bx38 (Co-op City-Fordham Center) can expect improved service.
The announcement follows a Riders Alliance report highlighting the impact of bus delays, particularly in Brooklyn. The report revealed that 91% of surveyed riders in Flatbush experienced negative effects from bus delays, with many citing financial or job-related consequences.
Staten Island riders remain skeptical
Staten Island commuters, particularly express bus riders, welcomed the news with caution. Riders on routes like the SIM1C (Eltingville-Midtown/Downtown) have voiced frustration with long travel times and overcrowding.
“I’m skeptical about this,” said Marty, an express bus rider. “The service needs real improvement, not just promises.”
The MTA’s improvements, spearheaded by NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, are part of a broader effort to attract riders back to public transit with affordable, fast, and convenient travel options. Crichlow stated, “We reviewed the bus network and identified opportunities to enhance service by increasing frequency and adjusting running times.”
