Queens's Bus Network Is Getting An Overhaul, And MTA Wants Input

QUEENS, NY — The MTA is spending the next year redesigning Queens's bus network, and the agency wants locals to weigh in.

The transit authority kicks off its public input process Tuesday with a forum in Rockaway Beach. It is the first of several workshops the MTA is hosting across the borough, during which attendees can suggest how to best overhaul the 107 bus lines that move more than 714,000 weekday riders throughout Queens.

The MTA in April announced it would work with the city's transportation department to alter redundant or indirect bus routes and change the spacing between bus stops, according to a presentation.

The agency aims to finish a draft of the redesign in November 2019 and release the final plan in April 2020.

The agency will also collect public feedback on Queens' current bus service and ideas for changes they'd like to see through an online form, in addition to the in-person workshops.

"It’s an exciting time for Queens bus riders," Rebecca Bailin, political director with the Riders Alliance, said in a statement. "They are playing a critical role in the future of bus service, improvements that will impact their lives."

These are the MTA's upcoming bus redesign workshops:

Tuesday, May 7 — 7-9 p.m.

• Peninsula Library at 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
• Directions:
  • Subway: A to Beach 90 St.
  • Bus: Q22, Q52-SBS, Q53-SBS

Monday, May 13 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• PS 69 Jackson Heights at 77-02 37th Ave.
• Directions:
  • Subway: 7 E M R to Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights
  • Bus: Q32, Q33, Q47, Q49

Wednesday, May 15 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• The Woodhaven Elementary School at 91-02 88th Ave.
• Directions:
  • Subway: J to Woodhaven Blvd
  • Bus: Q11, Q21, Q24, Q52-SBS, Q53-SBS, Q56

Monday, May 20 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• PS 112Q Dutch Kills School at 25-05 37th Ave.
• Directions:
  • Subway: N W to 36th Av
  • Bus: Q66, Q69, Q102

Tuesday, May 21 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Flushing Library at 41-17 Main St.
• Directions:
  • Subway: 7 to Flushing-Main St
  • Bus: Q12, Q13, Q15, Q15A, Q16, Q17, Q19, Q20A, Q20B, Q25, Q27, Q28, Q34, Q44-SBS, Q48, Q50, Q58, Q65, Q66

Tuesday, May 28 — 7-9 p.m.

• Central Jamaica Library at 89-11 Merrick Blvd.
• Directions:
  • Subway: E to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer or F to 169 St
  • Bus: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q17, Q20A, Q20B, Q24, Q30, Q31, Q36, Q41, Q43, Q44-SBS, Q54, Q56, Q76, Q77, Q110

Monday, June 10 — 7-9 p.m.

• PS 33Q at 91-37 222nd St.
• Directions:
  • Bus: Q1, Q27, Q88