New York MTA launches Queens bus revamp and simultaneously pilots two free transfers
After six years of planning, the Queens bus network in New York City officially launched a major revision on the 29th, covering 16 new routes, 67 adjustments, and 5 suspensions. At the same time, five high-passenger routes have increased their frequency, and launched a “second transfer free” discount that can save up to $5.80, providing passengers with more flexible and economical travel options. The MTA reminds the public that some routes have been rerouted and should check the latest maps and timetables in advance to avoid delays.
In conjunction with the revision, starting today, passengers who use the same physical card or mobile payment device (such as a mobile phone or credit card) to take the Queens bus will enjoy the “second transfer free” discount. The first transfer must be completed within two hours after the first card swipe, and the second transfer must be completed within three hours. This discount is limited to bus transfers within Queens and does not include subway or express rides. The trial program lasts for six months and is equivalent to saving up to two original fares, a total of $5.80, which is of substantial benefit to residents who need to commute multiple times.
The five Queens routes that have increased their frequency are Q13, Q28, Q35, Q66 and Q69, all of which are the main commuter routes in the area. Q13 and Q28 run through Northern Boulevard, connecting Flushing with Eastern Queens communities such as Fort Totten and Bayside; Q66 and Q69 run from Flushing to Long Island City (LIC) and Astoria in the west, crossing several areas that are inconvenient to reach by subway.
Janno Lieber, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), pointed out that this adjustment is part of the MTA’s comprehensive reform of the bus network. By simplifying routes, increasing service frequency, combining automatic camera enforcement and congestion fee policies, the problems of slow buses and difficult transfers in the past have been improved.
In addition to Queens, many routes in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island have also increased their frequency, and a total of 14 local routes in the city have been expanded this time. These improvements are funded by $8 million from the state’s Outer Borough Transportation Account, with the goal of increasing public transportation accessibility outside the subway.
The MTA also pointed out that this adjustment is the first phase of the Queens bus network reorganization. The second phase is expected to be implemented on August 31 (Sunday), when one new route will be added, 37 routes will be adjusted, and one route will be suspended. The network optimization will continue to expand, encouraging more residents to transfer to the bus and reduce their reliance on private cars.
The MTA reminds the public to check the latest route map and timetable through the official website or download the MTA App from now on, especially when taking the bus during the period of rerouting or adding new stations, to ensure a smooth journey.
