Queens

, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Bus Lanes
Comments were received regarding the allocation of street space. Some suggestions were made for
certain roads to be turned into bus‐only streets, while certain roads were suggested to receive dedicated
bus‐only lanes.
The MTA works closely with NYCDOT regarding the allocation of street space. NYCDOT owns and manages
the public streets in New York City, and it carefully weighs the benefits of bus lanes for individual roads.
There is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach to road space allocation, and what works in one place will not
necessarily work in another. NYCDOT and the MTA look at the possibility of bus lanes as part of special
projects, such as the implementation of Select Bus Service. In addition, some areas that are subject to
redevelopment receive special attention to determine if bus lanes would be helpful and better allocate
road space.
Bus Shelters
Comments were received regarding bus shelters, especially the desire for bus shelters to be installed at
specific locations. Comments were received about the desire from seniors for seating to be available at
bus stops, as standing long periods while waiting for the bus is a hardship on them. Some suggestions
were made that all bus stop should have bus shelters.
Bus Stop furniture is under the jurisdiction of NYCDOT. While the MTA supports the installation of bus
shelters and benches as a way to improve customer comfort, community requests for additional locations
should be forwarded to NYCDOT for consideration. Additional information about Bus Shelters in Northeast
Queens can be found in Section 4: Quality of Service of this report.
Bicycle Racks on Buses
Comments were received suggesting that the MTA install bicycle racks on buses. Special mention was
given to transportation infrastructure that do not allow bicycles and the nearby neighborhoods that would
therefore benefit most from bicycle racks on buses.
Bicyclists are not allowed to ride across the Whitestone Bridge or the Throgs Neck Bridge that span from
Northeast Queens to the Bronx. Though buses do not currently have bicycle racks, folding bicycles are
permitted aboard local and limited buses at all times. Please fold your bicycle before boarding and don’t
block the aisle or doors. Folding bicycles are not allowed on express buses. All other bicycles are prohibited
on buses.
The MTA is conducting a one‐year pilot program for bicycle racks on the S53 and S93 bus routes that
connect Port Richmond and the College of Staten Island to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn via the Verrazano‐Narrows
Bridge. The Verrazano‐Narrows Bridge, like the two bridges in the study area, lacks any bicycle facilities
and prohibits bicycles, leaving limited options to travel by bicycle from one borough to the other. Any
expansion of bicycle racks on MTA buses will depend on the results of the evaluation of this pilot.
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