MTA: Improve, don’t slash bus service

in Northeast Queens!

Over 2,000 People Have Signed Our Petition —

Voice Your Concerns!

"We as residents and elected representatives of Northeast Queens are united against the MTA's proposed cuts to express bus service and concerned about changes to local service routes, as outlined in the draft plan of the Queens Bus Network Redesign.

In Northeast Queens, where there is no subway access and limited public transit options for residents, the first major overhaul of our bus network in a century should improve — not slash — service to our already transit-starved neighborhood.

On an average weekday, thousands of riders rely on the express QM2, QM3, QM6, QM20, and QM32 to get to Manhattan from Northeast Queens, and again to return home. Reducing rush hour service puts our commuters, who already have limited transportation options, at a complete disadvantage. Further, the proposal nearly eliminates express bus connectivity to Manhattan on weekends. Regardless of potential low ridership levels at non-rush hour times, residents of Northeast Queens require reliable express buses for their every day needs. Cutting service is denying mobility to a part of the city that is in great need of better options. This is unacceptable.

Our borough's existing bus system is sluggish, unreliable and has not been revised in over 100 years It is clearly in need of improvement. However, the final and implemented plan must expand and improve service for Northeast Queens - not take it away. The current draft plan is a major disservice to our residents.

For the quality of life of those living in Northeast Queens in this next century, the MTA must change their bus plan!"

Sincerely,

Council Member Paul Vallone

Council Member Barry Grodenchik

Grace Meng

Tom Suozzi

State Senator John Liu

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic

View the Petition

We are also encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA here.

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"Queens City Council delegation slams MTA’s current bus redesign plan"

"Hours before NYC Transit president Andy Byford resigned from the MTA the Queens Delegation to the City Council issued a scathing rebuke of the agency’s bus redesign plan for the borough, citing negative feedback from their constituents.

The council members called for significant changes to the MTA’s draft proposal for the Queens Bus Network.

Councilman Paul Vallone’s office has been inundated with complaints since the draft plan was released on New Year’s Eve.

'In northeast Queens, where there is no subway access and limited public transportation options for commuters,” Vallone said, who added that “the MTA should be increasing and improving bus service, not creating a more desolate transportation desert.' "

Queens Courier

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Vallone and Northeast Queens Electeds Call on Chancellor Carranza to Hold Public Meeting

Northeast Queens elected officials announced this week that they are calling on Chancellor Carranza to hold a public meeting on school safety. This demand follows a January 16th Department of Education Town Hall meeting in District 26, in which the Chancellor failed to address questions and concerns about reported incidents of sexual assault and violence at MS 158Q Marie Curie.

In a letter to Chancellor Carranza dated January 20, 2020, the elected officials called it “inconceivable” that he did not address the serious questions about school safety at MS 158Q. The elected officials demanded that Chancellor Carranza schedule an evening public meeting as soon as possible to address the misconduct, and they referenced a prior letter sent earlier in the month outlining several open questions about the DOE’s protocols in handling sexual assault in schools.

“Hundreds of parents and teachers looking for answers about the recent disturbing incidents that have taken place at MS 158 showed up for the Chancellor's Town Hall in District 26, but they were instead turned away feeling more frustrated and confused,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I join my fellow elected officials in demanding Chancellor Carranza promptly return to District 26 to a provide clear answers on DOE school safety and reporting protocols and an immediate action plan for the troubled MS 158. Protecting our City's children must always be our highest priority.”

Read Coverage:

Patch

Queens Courier

Queens Eagle

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Happy Lunar New Year!

It was an honor celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Rat at the Flushing Lunar New Year Parade Saturday morning! The Rat represents prosperity, strength, and intelligence. May all who celebrate this holiday enjoy a year full of health, happiness and good fortune!

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Lunar New Year Celebration at PS 41!

It was an exciting Friday morning celebrating Lunar New Year with the students and teachers at PS41! Thanks to Principal Joseph Ferrara for having me!

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How Would You Spend $1M for Northeast Queens?

Participatory Budgeting for District 19 is in full swing! If you would like to propose a project idea for this year’s Participatory Budgeting ballot to help improve our local parks, schools, libraries, etc, you can do so by contacting our office at [email protected] or calling 718-619-8611. Through Participatory Budgeting, you can directly decide how to spend at least $1 million in this year’s City budget.

After you have submitted your project idea, our office will contact you to discuss the next steps and how to turn your project ideas into real proposals for our ballot. These proposals will be up for a community-wide vote in the spring, where the projects that receive the most votes receive funding from our office!