More frequent and reliable bus service is coming to Queens this summer as part of a broader push by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to improve transit access in the outer boroughs.
Beginning June 29, the MTA will enhance service on 16 high-ridership local routes citywide, including six in Queens: the Q13 (Flushing–Ft. Totten), Q28 (Bayside–Flushing), Q35 (Rockaway Park–Midwood), Q43 (Jamaica–Floral Park), Q66 (Flushing–Long Island City) and Q69 (Long Island City–Astoria). The improvements, which build on expanded express service introduced in March, aim to reduce wait times, cut commute durations, and provide better connectivity for neighborhoods underserved by the subway.
Governor Hochul announced the expansion alongside MTA leadership, calling it a critical step in modernizing the city’s transit infrastructure.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, fast and reliable public transit, and I’m investing in our buses and subways so we can deliver better service in every corner of our city,” Hochul said. “We’re taking action to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, bring stations and equipment up to par and create the best experience for every rider.”
The Queens lines slated for upgrades serve key corridors between Flushing, Bayside, Jamaica, Astoria, Rockaway Park and Long Island City—some of which have seen steady growth in bus ridership, according to MTA data.
“More than 800,000 Queens residents rely on MTA bus service each day, and each one of them deserves a fast, reliable commute that gets them to work, school, home or elsewhere quickly,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “With these needed service enhancements—in tandem with the full Queens Bus Network Redesign coming this summer—that commute is exactly what families across the borough will finally be able to enjoy.”
The enhancements are being funded through $8 million from the Outer Borough Transportation Account, created by the state legislature in 2018 to support improvements in non-Manhattan neighborhoods.
Among the strongest advocates for improved service in Queens was State Senator Leroy Comrie, who emphasized the importance of accessibility.
“Increasing bus services throughout Queens is crucial for ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to reliable and efficient transportation,” Comrie said. “These enhancements will reduce commute times and make connecting with essential services easier for our communities.”
Several lawmakers also highlighted specific route improvements. Assembly Member Larinda C. Hooks praised the upgrades to the Q66 and Q69 routes, which connect Northern Boulevard and Long Island City—areas where riders often experience long commutes.
“We appreciate the additional service being added to key routes like the Q66 and Q69,” Hooks said. “This is a positive step toward improving access for residents who often experience long and complex commutes.”
State Senator John Liu welcomed the added service for northeast Queens, where residents often rely on buses as their primary mode of mass transit.
“Increasing service on many of these routes will provide more options for riders in northeast Queens without direct subway access,” Liu said. “This expansion is an important part of the MTA’s broader bus redesign and aligns with the goals of congestion pricing.”
The Q13 and Q28 routes, which connect Bayside and Flushing, are among the lines expected to benefit from the service increase. The Q35, which links Rockaway Park to Midwood, will also receive expanded service, improving connectivity for South Queens residents.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber noted that buses are vital for outer borough commuters.
“Buses connect New Yorkers to jobs, education, entertainment and everything else the city has to offer,” Lieber said. “By increasing service on some of the busiest routes in the outer boroughs, we can deliver opportunity and quality of life upgrades to literally thousands of New Yorkers.”
The service boost comes ahead of the city’s long-awaited congestion pricing program, which is expected to further reduce car traffic and increase demand for mass transit options, especially in outer boroughs like Queens.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow added, “Frequent, reliable bus service is essential for so many New Yorkers, especially for those who don’t live near the subway.”
For more information about the service changes and the MTA’s bus network redesign, visit mta.info.
