The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has given its approval for the proposed Queens Bus Network Redesign scheme.
The scheme aims to improve the network with a slew of updates to both its Express and Local, Limited, Select Bus Service (SBS).
Changes are forecasted to be rolled out beginning at the end of June, with final service alterations to be introduced by the end of August.
The plan aims to increase the total number of service routes to 124, an increase of 11 overall, including 94 local and 30 express.
New routes to be introduced as part of the wider Queens Bus Network Redesign’s final plans include connections between Forest Hill and a plethora of points in eastern Queens, more frequent services on Lefferts Blvd, a new service along the path of the existing Green Acres branch service and a route connecting Flushing to LaGuardia Airport via Willets Point.
MTA Chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, said:Queens is the most bus reliant of the five boroughs by far, and this redesign plan will create the modern bus system its 800,000 daily riders deserve.
Faster, more frequent, and more reliable service – with more bus-to-rail connections – will help residents of the World’s Borough take advantage of all that New York has to offer.
As part of the network improvements, the MTA plans to introduce a new route format, currently labelled as ‘Rush’, to 25 routes.
This service, which will offer riders a faster journey time, will feature both a local and non-stop portion in order to connect outer borough neighbourhoods with subway stations.
NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner, Ydanis Rodriguez, said:A majority of Queens commuters rely on public transportation every day, and they deserve an efficient and modern bus network, holistically designed for the future, not the past.
We congratulate the MTA on taking this next step to enhance bus service for Queens riders and we look forward to partnering with the Authority on future bus priority projects to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
In addition to the new network redesigns, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has been carrying out works to install new busways in downtown Flushing and Jamaica, as well as new bus lanes on Northern Boulevard and 21 Street.
These installations have seen speed increases of up to 25% along Northern Boulevard, 44% along Main St & Kissena Boulevard and a 57% increase along Archer Avenue following the implementation of bus priority street imrpovements.
