70 Percent of Redesign Plan Effective in Phase 1, Along With Start of Second Free Bus Transfer Pilot
Added Overnight Service in Plan Increases Transit Access to 68,000 More Riders; 10 Minutes-or-Better Service Expanded to 124,000 More Riders
Plan Invests $33.7 Million Annually in Largest Bus Network Redesign in the Nation, Improving Service and Reliability for 800,000 Daily Riders
View B-Roll Footage of Queens Buses
Video of News Conference
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today joined community leaders, elected officials, transit advocates and the New York City Department of Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) in previewing the Queens Bus Network Redesign Phase 1, which will launch this Sunday, June 29. The most comprehensive overhaul of the 70-year-old Queens bus network is shaped by six years of planning and community feedback consisting of 300 redesign events and nearly 20,000 comments. These changes will expand accessibility, improve transit equity, and deliver better bus service with faster trips, more frequent service, and better connections to key destinations and the rest of the transit system.
The new bus network includes 124 routes, consisting of 94 Local and 30 Express routes, a net increase of 11 routes from the existing network, and a $33.7 million annual investment to operations. The redesigned network will be fully implemented with the launch of Phase 2, effective Sunday, August 31. Routes without Sunday service will change on the next regular service day.
“Bringing our bus system out of the 1950s and into the 21st century has been one of my top priorities since taking this role,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “With the Queens Bus Network Redesign, the MTA is investing almost $35 million per year to give the borough’s 800,000 daily riders faster, more reliable, and more equitable service.”
"The Queens bus network redesign is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be able to do things right for Queens riders and we are excited to launch the first – and biggest portion – of the redesign,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “We are updating route patterns to better match how riders are traveling today and expanding service on key corridors that have seen ridership growth. With hundreds of customer ambassadors across the borough, we are ready to support bus riders as we start rolling out these changes to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
“We’re excited to roll out Phase 1 of the redesigned bus network — a transformation driven by extensive customer feedback and shaped through years of community engagement,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Chris Pangilinan. “This long-overdue upgrade modernizes an outdated bus system, delivering faster, more reliable service, better connections, and a network that reflects the needs of today’s riders.”
“Starting this summer, bus riders in Queens will get to experience an enhanced, efficient and modern bus network, holistically designed for the future, not the past,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “NYC DOT made adjustments to more than 1600 bus stops to support implementation for phase one of the redesign and we are proud to partner with the MTA to deliver enhanced bus service and bus stops for Queens riders, as we continue to develop and implement bus priority projects that complement the Network Redesign service changes."
“Northeast Queens is a 'transit desert! For those of us who have been advocating for the MTA to address this for years, I say 'Thank You!' said Representative Thomas Suozzi. "This first phase of the Queens’ bus network redesign has been launched and this is a transformative step forward, that will provide our Northeast Queens residents with faster, more reliable service and better connections. Let’s Go!”
"The Queens bus redesign is a crucial move to revitalize our bus network system. It is imperative that every neighborhood is connected, and every resident has access to the opportunities they deserve," said State Senator Leroy Comrie. "This long-overdue, and much-needed project is essential to providing efficient, accessible, and equitable transportation for all New Yorkers. I commend the MTA for responding to commuters' needs and ensuring that every bus route effectively serves our diverse neighborhoods, enhancing the daily lives of our constituents. I will continue to fight for equitable investments in transportation, with a focus on connecting residents to vital locations."
“The MTA’s Queens Bus Redesign is an essential step toward improving the much-needed public transportation in our borough,” said Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson. “These changes are designed to enhance efficiency and connectivity, making a meaningful difference for our everyday commuters, especially in areas where bus access is currently limited. For the 31st Assembly District I represent, from South Ozone Park through JFK Airport to the geographically isolated Rockaway Peninsula where we have some of the longest travel times in the nation, the MTA Queens bus redesign promises faster service and more frequent buses. I hope that with these changes, we will begin to see real improvements in the coming months.”
“After years of planning and public outreach, I’m thrilled to welcome a bus redesign that focuses on providing faster, more reliable service that will keep Queens moving,” said Assembly Member Claire Valdez. “Especially in neighborhoods without subway access, buses are a critical lifeline and New Yorkers deserve a bus network they can depend on.”
“The redesign of the Queens Bus Network is a major undertaking with real impacts on riders’ daily lives,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “I thank the MTA for their work so far on the Queens Bus Network Redesign and for engaging with elected officials, labor, and community members throughout this process. As this first phase rolls out, I will be closely monitoring its implementation to ensure that community voices remain front and center. We must continue to evaluate service changes and make adjustments where needed, especially for neighborhoods that have historically been underserved by transit. I commend my colleagues for their ongoing advocacy, and I urge the MTA to remain responsive to rider feedback throughout this process.”
"The day is finally here — buses in Queens are about to get faster, make more sense and get our 800,000 daily riders to where they need to go in the most efficient way possible. We are closer to transit equity than we have ever been before in our borough," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "I couldn't be more grateful to our partners at the MTA and the NYC DOT for their work alongside our communities in order to craft the best possible plan for Queens, and I look forward to working with our agencies on a seamless transition to the new network in the days ahead."
The redesign focuses on four customer priorities: reliable service, faster service, better connections and simplified service. The new bus network adds a new type of route, labeled “Rush,” in addition to the existing Local, Limited, Select Bus Service (SBS), and Express routes. Designed to get riders to their destination more quickly, Rush routes have both a local and a non-stop portion to quickly connect between outer borough neighborhoods and subway stations. The combination of these different routes creates a cohesive network that offers new travel opportunities and fulfills the different needs of Queens bus customers.
Upon implementation of both phases, Queens bus riders, on average, will gain access to 5,696 more jobs within 45 minutes — a 3.8 percent increase, and 31 percent of riders will see a 10 percent or greater improvement in job access — over 17,000 more opportunities.
A Customer-Focused Launch
Since February of this year, the MTA has printed 18, 500 Guide-a-Ride inserts (see example), and one million brochures (see example), which have been handed out at community events and will continue to be distributed through both phases of implementation, largely through the Customer Ambassador Program. Staff has installed 4,000 posters on bus windows, in addition to digital ads, and have completed updating most of the signage on 3,200 bus poles.
To ensure a smooth transition to the redesigned network and as a courtesy to customers, bus operators with trips along modified routes will continue to board and alight customers at former bus stops in the first week, if the bus stop signage or infrastructure has not yet been removed.
The best way to learn about the project is by visiting the main project page with links to resources including:
For real-time information and updates on specific bus routes, customers are encouraged to sign up for MTA service alerts.
Second Free Bus Transfer Pilot
Starting June 29, Queens bus riders who tap to pay using the same device or card will get a second free bus transfer on every trip. The first transfer must be within two hours of the first tap and the second transfer must be within three hours. The MTA will pilot this additional free transfer for approximately six months while evaluating the new Queens bus network.
Equity-Informed Approach
In Queens, where residents are more likely to face longer commutes and have limited access to subway and rail compared to other boroughs, the bus network plays an important role, especially for historically marginalized communities. The MTA’s team extensively studied demographic characteristics and equity areas of concentrated need to learn about how transit can better meet riders’ needs. This has led to the development of this Final Plan that holistically invests in service in areas with greater need, and as a result 23 percent of trips in equity areas are estimated to be five or more minutes shorter, compared to the average of 8 percent in other areas.
Beyond the Title VI requirements, the project team published an Equity Evaluation which shares the data behind socioeconomic factors and framework used to inform the development of the new bus network, underscoring the project’s commitment to equitable transportation. In the MTA’s equity analysis, the public can learn how factors such as transit dependency, minority representation, income, access to opportunity, and mobility needs were taken into consideration when making improvements to routes with finite resources to ensure communities with greater equity concerns continue to have strong access to transit.
Highlights of the Final Plan
Improved All-Day Frequent Network
There are 29 routes that provide 10 minutes or better service from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; 20 routes have either increased frequency or expanded hours of operation. Key streets throughout the borough that will see frequency increases include Union Turnpike, Merrick Boulevard, Guy R. Brewer Blvd, and the western section of Northern Boulevard.
More Direct Routing, Faster Travel
There are 25 Rush routes that pick-up passengers locally on one end and then have greater stop spacing to improve travel times to the other end of the line, stopping at major transfer points and key destinations.
Bus stop changes were carefully considered and holistically examined. 84 percent of riders will continue to use the same stop that they do today. Increased bus stop spacing speeds up buses and improves reliability for customers, better aligning with more modern peer transit systems around the world.
Better Connections
The redesign fills in gaps in the bus network and establishes new connections with other bus routes, subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and improves accessibility throughout Queens by connecting to more Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible subway stations. As an example, in Phase 2, the Q22 will be extended to the Far Rockaway LIRR Station and two extended trips per day will serve Bayswater.
Improving connections maximizes the opportunity of taking advantage of discounted fare options including the LIRR’s CityTicket or Far Rockaway Ticket, which is a discounted ticket riders can use to travel within city limits for $5 during off-peak hours and $7 for peak hours.
New and modified routes expand the reach of the bus network, making interborough travel easier. The Q98 Limited route connects Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs (on the Brooklyn-Queens border) and downtown Flushing via the Horace Harding Expressway. The new route complements the existing Q58 which also operates between Flushing and Ridgewood, but the new Q98 provides a more direct alternative, along with connections to subway lines, 31 other bus routes and the LIRR Flushing-Main St station.
The QM65 is a new express route connecting Laurelton and Rochdale in Southeast Queens to downtown Manhattan. This route will make its first service run on Monday, June 30.
Simplified Service
Express bus riders will see the X63, X64, and X68 renamed with “QM” prefixes for clarity and rerouted in Manhattan to have more consistent, direct travel. Additionally, a new Manhattan-bound drop-off stop at 2 Av and E 32 St was added to these bus routes in response to operator feedback and public requests for improved access to East Side hospitals.
Route labels for the Local network have been simplified so that customers better understand where their bus is traveling before they board.
For the full plan, see here.
Expanding Bus Priority
New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) work installing busways in downtown Flushing and Jamaica, as well as bus lanes on Northern Boulevard and 21 Street, strengthens the bus network redesign and its investment in Queens. Improvements along Northern Boulevard resulted in an increase of up to 25 percent in bus speeds; those along Main St / Kissena Boulevard boasted a 44 percent increase in bus speeds; and buses along Archer Avenue are traveling up to 57 percent faster since implementation of bus priority street improvements. As part of the NYC Streets Plan, released in February 2023, NYCDOT is working collaboratively with the MTA to identify additional corridors where bus priority street treatments can be implemented to improve bus rider travel time.
Comments from Elected Officials and Advocates
"I am optimistic to see the Queens Bus Network Redesign coming to fruition, in hopes of bringing our community faster, more reliable transit options,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Of course, as the roll out continues, I must take into consideration any questions or concerns raised by my constituents. Investing in our transit infrastructure is vital for the economic growth and quality of life in Queens, and I fully support efforts to modernize our public transportation system."
"I’m proud to support the MTA’s effort to build a bus network that puts riders first and brings real investment to the communities that rely on transit the most,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos. “As the city’s largest borough, Queens deserves a transit system that reflects the scale of our needs, one that connects our neighborhoods, expands access, and meets people where they are. I hope this plan continues to close the gaps in service across all of Queens, including our neighborhoods in Senate District 13."
“Following a robust, multi-year gathering of public feedback, the MTA is preparing to implement the first phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign," said Assembly Member Edward Braunstein. "I encourage Northeast Queens residents to familiarize themselves with the new routes and stops, and, as the changes are phased in, provide the valuable feedback necessary to make sure our buses are running smoothly and accessibly, both locally and boroughwide. Through continued partnership with the local community, I am hopeful that the final Bus Network Redesign will provide faster and more expansive bus service to Queens riders. Please do not hesitate to share your feedback with my office, as well as the MTA, in the coming weeks."
"This redesign isn’t just about new bus routes—it’s about creating real opportunities for the people of Queens," said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz. "For far too long, our communities have endured long, unreliable commutes. This plan helps change that by prioritizing faster service, better connections, and real access to jobs. We look forward to working with the MTA and our neighbors to perfect this redesign to provide our community with the transportation access it deserves."
“As a straphanger, I’m thrilled to see the MTA launch the first phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign," said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. "This long-overdue update will help speed up bus service, improve street safety, and make travel across the borough more efficient. In my own district, riders often wait more than 30 minutes for a bus—this redesign is a vital step toward shorter wait times, better connections, and expanded ADA accessibility for all New Yorkers."
"I greatly appreciate the work that has been done to implement a better and more equitable bus system,” said Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi. “Congrats to the MTA team and all partners who helped us get here, and my sincere thanks to the team members who not only listened to our concerns and suggestions but made them a part of the final plan. That is the type of community-driven initiative that makes for good public policy, and I look forward to continuing working together as this rolls out.”
"The launch of Phase 1 of the Queens Bus Network Redesign on June 29th is crucial for creating more effective transportation options for our Southeast Queens transportation desert,” said Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman. “This comprehensive redesign is anticipated to deliver faster, more reliable service and enhanced connections throughout the borough. I strongly encourage all constituents to familiarize themselves with the upcoming changes to their routes and stops and to provide feedback about their experiences. My office is dedicated to ensuring this redesign effectively serves the community and truly meets the needs of my constituents."
“All New Yorkers, regardless of where we live or work, deserve reliable and accessible public transportation so we can meet our daily obligations,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “As the first phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign is implemented, it will intricately impact the lives of riders who depend on buses for traveling to school, work, medical appointments, and much more. Robust and consistent communication and engagement must reach our constituents on the impending changes to their bus routes and stops. The feedback from our communities remains critical to the final outcome of the redesign process."
“The Queen's bus network is critical to our neighborhoods, some without a nearby train and others with crowded platforms,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “Phase 1 of the new Queens Bus Network takes critical steps to ensure we have faster, more reliable service with better connections. Over the next six months, MTA will undertake the crucial work of adding new bus routes, as well as relocating or removing bus stops, all while taking community input on what works best for our neighbors and families who rely on the bus to commute in and out of Queens. I’m proud to work alongside the MTA during Phase 1 of the new bus network and look forward to the critical work we will be doing to expand service and add new connections.”
“The Queens Bus Network Redesign is about meeting the reality of how Southeast Queens gets around every day,” said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “Our bus system is a crucial link for so many hardworking neighbors, whether they’re making long commutes or relying on the bus as an affordable way to get where they need to go. These changes aim to make those trips more direct, more efficient, and better connected. And while the MTA has made space for public input throughout this process, real progress depends on ongoing conversation. I encourage everyone who rides these buses to share their experiences and feedback as adjustments are made in the months ahead. That input is what helps shape a system that works for the people it’s meant to serve. Together, by listening and adapting, we can ensure this redesign truly meets the needs of our community.”
"For far too long, working-class and immigrant communities in Queens experienced long, unreliable bus commutes and limited transit options," said Council Member Julie Won. "This redesign is the first step in delivering faster, more frequent, and equitable service that our constituents deserve. Phase 1's overnight routes and improved connection services will expand access to jobs and opportunity, especially for our essential workers and families who rely on buses every day. I look forward to continuing this work with the MTA and our communities to ensure every Queens rider benefits from a more modern and responsive transit system."
"Riders across Queens, the most bus-dependent county in the country, will greatly benefit from a network that makes buses faster, safer, more reliable, and more frequent," said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC). "This includes the addition of Rush Routes, which will improve travel to the LIRR and subways for residents in subway deserts. We are proud to assist riders with the implementation of the Queens Bus Network Redesign as Ambassadors, and look forward to continuing to work with the MTA as field testing turns into actual experience."
“We commend the MTA for prioritizing Queens bus riders and taking thoughtful steps to improve service across the borough. Optimizing routes to speed up connections to the subway is a smart, exciting shift, and the increased investment to boost frequency shows a real commitment to riders. These changes, especially the focus on accessibility, transparency, and public input, are essential to building a bus system that truly meets the needs of everyday New Yorkers,” said Renae Reynolds, Executive Director at Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “As these enhancements roll out, it’s crucial that we consider how to sustain and build on them in the long term. As our communities grow and evolve, so must our transit networks. A more accessible, connected, and reliable bus system is key to meeting the needs of everyday New Yorkers. We look forward to seeing these improvements rolled out and to riding a better, more reliable bus system.”
"The Queens Bus Network Redesign is a major step forward in delivering faster, more reliable transit service for the borough," said Natasha Elder, NYPIRG Regional Director of the Straphangers Campaign. "By expanding frequent all-day and overnight service, and simplifying routes and transfers, the MTA is helping more riders get where they need to go—especially workers, students, seniors, and riders in transit-starved areas. We look forward to continued community engagement as this redesign hits our Queens streets."