Queens

, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Service Coverage
MTA operates an extensive bus network in Northeast Queens with thirty‐nine local, limited and
express bus routes. The extent of transit coverage is determined by Service Guidelines adopted
by the MTA Board.
Guidelines
The two most significant criteria in the service coverage guidelines are transit dependency and
population density. Transit dependency, based on the percentage of households in an area
without access to an automobile, displays an absolute need for accessible transit service.
Population density, or the concentration of residents in a neighborhood, shows where service is
most viable. MTA established the guidelines shown in Table 2 for local and limited bus route
spacing:
Table 2. Bus Service Guidelines
Transit Dependency
(Percentage Of Households
W/O Automobiles)
Over 15%
15% And Under
Population Density (Persons Per Square Mile)
Greater Than 12,000
2,000‐2,600 feet (3/8‐
1/2 mile) between routes
2,000‐2,600 feet (3/8‐
1/2 mile) between routes
12,000 Or Less
2,000‐2,600 feet (3/8‐
1/2 mile) between routes
5,280 feet (1 mile) between
routes
Three percent of New York City Census block groups fall into the 1‐mile coverage category, with
a population density less than 12,000 people per square mile and fifteen percent or less of
households without a car. Average distance to a bus route is one‐half the distance between
routes, or one‐half mile. The majority of Northeast Queens falls within the higher‐density
category, one‐half mile between routes, based on transit dependency and population density.
Average walking distance to a bus route is one‐half the distance between routes, or one‐quarter
mile.
Other criteria sometimes come into play when determining route spacing, including geographic
factors (e.g., terrain, type of the existing street network) and demographic factors (e.g.,
employment density, population within walking distance of a stop, significant concentrations of
elderly and/or disabled persons, presence of major destinations such as hospitals, schools, or
shopping).
Coverage in Northeast Queens
In the study area, bus coverage of inhabited areas was analyzed based on the one‐half mile
distance between bus routes – green and open spaces were not included in the analysis.
Customers within the bus coverage area are within one‐quarter mile (10 minute walk) of a bus
route. Bus coverage in the study area was analyzed in four scenarios:
Local/Limited Weekday Coverage
Local/Limited Weekend Coverage
Local/Limited Overnight Coverage
Express/Subway/LIRR Coverage
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