Phase 1 of Queens bus network redesign begins. Here's what riders need to know.
The first phase of the Queens bus network redesign took effect Sunday, impacting about 800,000 residents.
After five years of planning, the more than $30 million redesign is supposed to provide faster, more reliable service for riders in the city's largest borough.
Changes to Queens bus routes
The redesign introduces 124 routes in total -- 94 local and 30 express. This also includes 14 new routes and what are called "rush" routes, which the MTA says are aimed at providing quicker commutes to subways and rail stations.
On the flip side, some lines are being scrapped or replaced, including the Q15A, Q20A, Q20B, Q34, Q48, and QM3. Some bus stops are also being relocated or completely taken out of the system.
This phase of changes mainly focuses on eastern Queens and Ridgewood.
- To learn more about the service changes happening today, .
Advocates worried about riders with disabilities
Transportation advocates, who are considering legal options, say mobility-impaired riders will suffer.
"They can provide no evidence that this would not create disproportionate burdens and barriers to access for people with disabilities," Passengers United Vice President Jack Nierenberg said.
Passengers United President Charlton D'Souza pointed out concerns with the bus stop on Hempstead and 224th. Two lines – the Q2 and the Q110 – will discontinue stops there and be replaced by the new Q82.
"The biggest concern is that the Q82, it's going to only run every 30 minutes," D'Souza said. "This is not a Queens bus redesign. This is called Queens bus budget cuts."
MTA CEO Janno Lieber says the opposite, however. During a press conference Thursday, Lieber claimed transit is pouring $35 million into Queens buses each year.
Some residents are optimistic about the changes. Elmhurst resident Adam Lee says lines for the bus sometimes extend down Queens Boulevard.
"You have those times there's just crowds of people coming off the trains," he said.
Phase two of the redesign will begin Aug. 31.
