New York City’s Queens bus network will have the first phase of its redesign implemented starting on June 29, 2025. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) also announced that the second implementation phase will begin on August 31, 2025.

Notifying the Public of the Changes

MTA and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) are jointly commencing a large-scale public outreach effort to advise customers of the upcoming changes.

“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.”

Riders will begin to see Guide-A-Ride inserts replaced as early as this week. The new brightly colored inserts will highlight the changes to the Queens bus network that are scheduled to begin this summer.

A list of which bus routes are changing and when the changes will be implemented will be published on the project webpage at a later date.

“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.”

Updating Signs and Implementing Education Programs

New York City Transit (NYCT) and the DOT will begin adding new signage at thousands of bus stops throughout Queens. The signs will advise customers of the redesigned network's implementation and launch date.

Riders are encouraged to scan the QR code on the signs to learn more about the new routes, destinations, and benefits of the redesign.

MTA is kicking off a public education campaign with the announcements of the official start dates. The program will include in-person events, distribution of print materials, digital signage, and social media posts to provide notice of the changes.

Digital and multilingual resources will also be available to help customers better understand the new trip options.

These outreach efforts will continue post implementation to provide trip guidance with the changes in effect.

Riders will receive brochures outlining the redesign, and NYCT staff will be deployed to key locations throughout the borough to answer questions. Information on outreach efforts will be announced at a later date.

The MTA Board unanimously approved the Queens Bus Network Redesign in January, which includes changes to improve all route types, including local, limited, select bus service, and express bus services, and introduce new routes.

The redesigned network focuses on streamlining routes, enhancing connectivity, improving frequency, improving bus stop spacing, and expanding bus priority.