MTA to roll out major Queens bus redesign this summer

New Yorkers can expect sweeping changes to Queens’ bus network starting this summer, MTA officials announced Thursday.

The long-awaited redesign's first phase will take effect on Sunday, June 29, while the second phase will launch on Sunday, Aug. 31. The overhaul aims to improve efficiency for the nearly 800,000 daily riders who rely on the borough’s bus system.

The MTA and city Department of Transportation announced plans to launch a large-scale public awareness campaign ahead of the changes, including new signage at thousands of bus stops, digital and print materials, multilingual outreach and in-person events where transit staff will be available to answer questions.

Brightly colored advisory signs could begin appearing at some bus stops as early as this week. The MTA said the signs will include QR codes that enable commuters to check how their routes will change. The MTA will also distribute brochures detailing the redesign closer to the implementation dates.

Transit officials said 84% of riders will continue using the same stops, but routes, frequency and operating hours will likely change.

The redesign is part of a yearslong effort to modernize the city’s bus system.

In Queens, officials have held more than 70 outreach events over the past year, which culminated in a final town hall in January. That same month, the MTA board approved its finalized plan for the borough’s bus network.

“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,” Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a press release.

In the press release, NYC Transit's Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro said the first phase will focus on major corridors and transit hubs. He said the phased rollout is necessary due to Queens' size and the number of bus routes involved.

“We’re excited to get this outreach started and let Queens bus riders know better bus service is on the way,” Annicaro said.