Queens bus routes see upheaval as MTA sends 'ambassadors,' CEO to warn riders of changes
Share this @internewscast.com

The MTA launched a major overhaul of the Queens bus system — with trained “ambassadors” deployed into the community to warn riders of the upheaval.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber joined the ambassadors on Monday to engage with community members, following the launch of the redesign that features 16 new routes, 67 modified routes, and the elimination of five routes.

“We’re investing an additional $35 million annually to provide Queens with improved and faster bus service,” Lieber stated during a press conference at the Main St/Kissena Blvd Q20 bus stop. “These are tangible benefits for the residents of Queens. This exemplifies effective governance.”

These adjustments represent the first stage of the eagerly anticipated Queens Bus Network Redesign project, marking the most significant alteration to the borough’s bus routes since the 1950s.

The changes include rush routes that have been added to quickly bring passengers from underserved areas to transit hubs, such as Jamaica and Flushing, officials announced

For example, one route, the Q13, will be designed to shuttle passengers between Bell Boulevard in Bayside and Flushing, Chris Pangilinan, the MTA’s “Bus Boss,” explained to reporters and commuters.

The ambassadors — numbering in the hundreds — are tasked with informing the roughly 800,000 commuters affected by the new route changes, Lieber said.

Still, language barriers and the long-time rituals of some commuters made residents uneasy about the new changes.

While handing out pamphlets to explain the changes in service on the Q20 to bus passengers, Lieber was met with confused looks from passengers who did not speak English, The Post observed.

They were later reassured by a 27-year-old MTA worker, Charlie Zhen, who is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese and could explain the route changes.

Pamphlets were also translated into Chinese to increase their readability for some passengers.

“It’s good. It’s better for me. I knew. The signs in my language,” said 67-year-old Flushing resident Xi Jin.

Omar, 22, said he was glad he wasn’t affected directly by the changes, as he was heading to his job as a security guard in the Bronx on the Q44.

“It’s a good thing for me, nothing changed. I don’t need any more aggravation. You got the heat, the humidity, the crowds just to go to work… going to work is aggravating enough,” he said.

The second phase of the redesign will be implemented on Aug. 31, officials said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Screenshot of a couple posing for a photo.

22-Year-Old Gregory Groom Arrested After Body of Pregnant Teen Girlfriend Kylee Monteiro Discovered at Home

THE 22-YEAR-OLD boyfriend of a missing pregnant teenager has been charged with…
What Chris Pratt Said on Bill Maher's Podcast Is Going to Have the Left Even More Furious With Him

Chris Pratt’s Comments on Bill Maher’s Podcast Are Likely to Upset Liberals Even Further

People often ask why I choose to treat Hollywood with a touch…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused of killing three people failed English, road sign tests: DOT

Undocumented Trucker Linked to Fatal Crash Had Previously Failed Language and Road Sign Exams

The truck driver accused of causing a fatal accident in Fort Pierce,…
Woman and man posing for a photo, woman holding yellow roses.

Tragic Incident at DC Home: Newsmax Staffer Travis Renee Baldwin, 57, Allegedly Shot and Killed by Her Son

 A TV make-up artist who worked with stars at outlets such as…
Watch: Republicans Drop Fire Ad Taking Aim at Mamdani and Socialism in Democrat Party

Embracing Socialism: A New Perspective

By Chris Talgo The latest polls indicate that in New York City’s…
Near-term chances of an eruption at Alaska's Mount Spurr volcano now considered 'extremely low'

The likelihood of an eruption at Alaska’s Mount Spurr volcano in the near future is now seen as ‘extremely low’

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — On Wednesday, authorities downgraded the alert level for…
Mugshot of Austin Drummond.

Alleged Quadruple Murderer Austin Drummond Unusually Asserts He Was an FBI Informant Whose Cover Was Blown and Claims Innocence in Family Slayings

THE man accused of killing four people he says he considered to…
Family demands justice in Pilsen, Chicago hit-and-run crash that killed Marcela Herrera, injured fiancé near Ashland and Cullerton

Family Seeks Justice After Pilsen Hit-and-Run Kills Marcela Herrera and Injures Fiancé Near Ashland and Cullerton in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A poignant melody of love and loss reflects the…
Jossimar Cabrera dragging what is believed to be his wife in a tarp or sheet

California Woman Discovered Deceased in National Forest; Husband Spotted Hauling Large Tarp

A woman from California was discovered deceased in a national forest, just…
One-year-old girl with severe burns, hospitalized.

Devastating Photos of a Toddler with Severe Burns After Babysitter’s Neglectful Incident

A BABYSITTER was convicted after a baby in her care suffered extreme…
Florida Hometown Heroes applications now open

Applications Now Open for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program

The program provides up to 35,000 to eligible first time homebuyers for…
Rocks hurled through DC church's stained-glass windows, car destroyed as federal crime crackdown continues

Vandalism Targets DC Church: Stained-Glass Windows Smashed and Car Damaged Amid Ongoing Federal Crime Efforts

During the Trump administration’s attempts to address crime in Washington, D.C., a…