Cruz rides Q49 on fact-fi nding mission over
proposed changes to Queens bus network
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TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | FEB. 27-MARCH 5, 2020 5
BY BILL PARRY
The MTA’s draft proposal for a complete
redesign of the Queens Bus Network
has been so poorly received by
riders since it was rolled out on New
Years Eve.
All 15 members of the Queens delegation
to the City Council called on the
MTA to go back to the drawing board
and amend the draft and address their
constituents concerns.
Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz,
who represents Jackson Heights —
which was the first neighborhood to
rise up against the proposal — as well
as Corona and Elmhurst, where riders
are also dissatisfied, undertook a factfinding
mission Feb. 19.
Cruz joined MTA Bus Company Acting
President Craig Cipriano and members
of the Ridership Alliance transit
advocacy group aboard the Q49 bus collecting
data from readers about current
slow and unreliable service and hearing
new feedback on the contemplated
changes to the borough’s bus network.
“It is clear that bus service in the
community needs major improvement,
and my partnership with the Alliance
and the MTA helps reach out to as
many individuals as possible in order
to obtain their feedback as to how the
MTA can best meet their transportation
needs.” Cruz said. “It is imperative
that during this open comment period
that community members participate
in surveys, attend events, and otherwise
inform the MTA of their ideas and
suggestions.”
Riders emphasized the need for better
service overall and the importance
of hearing local concerns about the
plan. MTA officials promised to incorporate
feedback into subsequent revisions
to the redesign.
“Today we heard that Queens riders
are fed up with the unacceptably slow
and unreliable status quo on the bus,”
Riders Alliance Campaign Manager
Stephanie Burgos-Vera said. “Riders
want MTA officials to be more forthcoming
about how significant proposed
changes to the bus network will speed
their trips and improve commutes. We
applaud the MTA for thinking big. We
encourage riders to engage with planners
to ensure the redesign works for
Queens. Thank you to Assemblymember
Cruz for riding the bus and hearing
directly from riders about how badly
we need better service.”
To review the proposed changes
to the Queens bus network and see a
schedule for public outreach events,
visit new.mta.info/queensbusredesign.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail
at bparry@schnepsmedia.com or by
phone at (718) 260–4538.
Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz talks with riders on the Q49 about the MTA’s
proposed changes to the borough’s bus network. Courtesy of Riders Alliance
Persons depicted are models being used for illustration purposes only
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