Significant updates to Queens bus routes scheduled to launch on Sunday.

Residents of Queens, recognized as the most bus-dependent borough in New York City, are set to navigate a transformed bus network beginning Sunday. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a comprehensive redesign of Queens’ bus routes, affecting nearly all but three of the current routes in the borough. This significant change aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the public transit system for the approximately 800,000 daily bus riders who rely on these services.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber emphasized Queens’ status as the quintessential bus borough, underscoring the necessity for faster and more frequent service to meet the needs of its vast commuter population. He indicated that this redesign culminates in an investment of million annually into the borough’s bus infrastructure and operations, signaling a strong commitment to improving public transit.

The extensive overhaul will introduce a total of 124 routes, which include 94 local and 30 express services. The predominant objective of this redesign is to facilitate better connections between bus riders and the broader New York City transit system. Implementation will occur in phases, with the most significant changes taking place this Sunday, followed by additional adjustments coming on August 31.

As part of the rollout, six bus routes—specifically the Q15A, Q20A, Q20B, Q34, Q48, and QM3—will be discontinued, along with the Q21 route, which will be phased out later at the end of August. However, this change is accompanied by the introduction of 14 new routes, enhancing the overall network’s coverage.

Officials project that upon full implementation, an estimated 124,000 additional residents will find themselves within a quarter mile of a bus stop serviced every 10 minutes or less during daytime hours. Moreover, around 68,000 individuals will benefit from access to bus routes operating 24/7, significantly improving transit options in both eastern and western Queens.

The road to this new bus network has not been without challenges. After an initial proposal in 2019 was met with dissatisfaction, the MTA revisited the drawing board in 2021. A revised draft plan, which incorporated extensive public feedback—totaling around 20,000 comments collected during 300 outreach events—was released the following year. The current version, described as the final redesign, was unveiled in 2023 and further refined in 2024.

While the MTA has sought to accommodate public input, Lieber acknowledged that not all users may agree with every change. The adjustments, including modifications to bus stop locations, aim to maximize efficiency and speed of service. Transportation officials remain committed to adjusting the routes post-implementation as necessary to better serve the community’s needs.

As Queens navigates this pivotal moment in public transportation, transit advocates and officials remain optimistic about the potential enhancements to the borough’s transit landscape. The redesigned bus map is accessible via the MTA’s official platforms, allowing riders to familiarize themselves with the new network effectively.

For further details about specific route changes and the new bus network, individuals may explore the MTA’s resources or the bus-redesign map available online.