First Set of Route and Schedule Changes Effective June 29, 2025; Second Phase Effective Aug. 31, 2025
Advisory Signs Roll Out This Week to Hundreds of Bus Stops
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that the first phase of implementation of the newly redesigned Queens bus network will launch on Sunday, June 29, and the second phase will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025. In preparation for these changes, the MTA and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) are jointly commencing a large-scale public outreach effort to advise customers of the upcoming changes. Some bus riders will begin to see Guide-A-Ride inserts replaced as early as this week, with brightly colored inserts alerting that bus routes will be changing summer of 2025 at respective locations. A list of bus routes under their respective start dates will be published on the project webpage at a later date.
“To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important for riders to learn of changes coming up as soon as possible,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “While 84% of Queens bus riders will continue to use the same bus stop, there are new routes, expanded hours of operation, greater service frequency and changes in stop patterns – this is the time to learn if and how your commute is changing and tell a friend.”
“Due to the size of Queens and the number of bus routes, it was important to take this implementation process in two parts,” said NYC Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Focusing on major corridors and transit hubs, along with routes that will first see changes in June, a few Queens bus riders will begin to see signage at their stops sooner than others. We’re excited to get this outreach started and let Queens bus riders know better bus service is on the way.”
“A majority of Queens commuters rely on public transportation every day, and starting this summer, bus riders will get to experience an enhanced, efficient and modern bus network, holistically designed for the future, not the past,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are proud to support the implementation in partnership with the MTA to deliver enhanced bus service for Queens riders, and we look forward to working alongside the authority on future bus priority projects to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
New York City Transit (NYCT) and DOT will begin adding new signage at thousands of bus stops throughout Queens, advising customers that the implementation of the redesigned network will launch this summer. Customers are encouraged to scan the QR code on the signs to learn more about the new routes, new destinations, and benefits that will serve the nearly 800,000 daily Queens bus riders.
With today’s announcement of the official start dates of June 29 and Aug. 31, the MTA is kicking off a public education campaign which will include in-person events; distribution of print materials, digital signage, and social media posts to provide notice of the changes; and robust digital and multilingual resources to help customer better understand their new trip options. These outreach efforts will continue post implementation to provide trip guidance with the changes in effect. As the effective dates approach, bus riders will receive brochures outlining the redesign and NYCT staff will be deployed to key locations throughout the borough to answer questions. Information on these outreach efforts will be announced at a later date.
In January, the MTA Board unanimously approved the Queen Bus Network Redesign, which includes changes to improve all route types including Local, Limited, Select Bus Service and Express bus service, and introduces new Rush routes. To deliver more efficient and reliable service, the redesigned network focuses on streamlining routes, enhancing connectivity, improving frequency, improving bus stop spacing and in partnership with DOT, expanding bus priority. For more information about the Queens Bus Network Redesign, visit https://www.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign.