A lot has changed in Queens since the 1950s, and now, so have the borough’s bus routes.  

Phase 1 of the Queens Bus Network Redesign is officially in effect. All but three bus routes have been modified as part of the overhaul.

What You Need To Know

  • Phase 1 of the Queens Bus Network Redesign is officially in effect

  • The first set of changes is centered mostly on Eastern Queens and Ridgewood

  • The redesign also includes an annual investment of $35 million to increase service

  • Seven routes — the Q15A, Q20A, Q20B, Q21, Q34, Q48 and QM3 — have been discontinued, while 11 new routes have been added, for a total of 124 across Queens

“It is something to get used to. Something new, but it seems like it’s been faster,” Gerald Howard, a Q65 bus rider, said.

The first set of changes is centered mostly on Eastern Queens and Ridgewood. And it's not just route changes; the redesign also includes an annual investment of $35 million to increase service.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber helped conduct outreach about the changes in front of the Q20 stop at the corner of Main Street and Kissena Boulevard in Flushing Monday morning.

“Sixty-eight thousand people who are getting 24/7 service who didn’t used to have it. There are 80,000 people who are saving five minutes a day. That counts, and people are really welcoming it so far,” Lieber said.

Seven routes — the Q15A, Q20A, Q20B, Q21, Q34, Q48 and QM3 — have been discontinued, while 11 new routes have been added, for a total of 124 across Queens.

The redesign also includes 25 rush routes — buses with increased stop spacing that connect to rail hubs.

For the borough's 800,000 daily bus riders, this means some adjustments to their commutes.

The second half of the redesign will phase in on Aug. 31. The additional changes at the end of the summer will focus on bus routes in western Queens.