The completion of nearly eight miles of new bus lanes on Hillside Avenue will significantly improve transit efficiency in Queens. Announced by NYC transportation officials on Thursday, this redesign aims to expedite bus travel along a key thoroughfare that serves multiple neighborhoods, including Jamaica and Queens Village.
The project, overseen by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), stretches from 139th Street to Springfield Boulevard and accommodates 22 bus routes operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The new layout reduces the number of driving lanes by one in each direction but adds over 600 parking and loading spaces to support local businesses.
The redesigned street features a parking lane on each side, one travel lane for vehicles, one lane for left turns, and a dedicated bus lane in each direction. Notably, the bus lanes are “offset,” meaning they are positioned one lane away from the curb and separated by parked cars. The bus lanes operate 24/7 and are enforced through camera systems mounted on MTA buses.
This significant change comes as Hillside Avenue serves as a vital bus corridor, with over 215,000 riders daily—surpassing the ridership of single transit systems like NJ Transit Rail or PATH.
Improving Travel Times for Passengers
Officials assert that the new bus lanes will enhance travel times for passengers. Historically, buses on this stretch have moved at an average speed of just four miles per hour. The updated layout is designed to reduce wait times at bus stops, thereby improving the overall rider experience.
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated that this redesign is one of the longest bus priority projects in the agency’s history, emphasizing its potential to transform travel for bus users. “NYC DOT is changing the game, one bus lane at a time,” Rodriguez remarked. “This redesign of Hillside Avenue brings consistent, camera-enforced bus lanes across the corridor while freeing up curb space to support local shops with their deliveries and customer access.”
Prior to this redesign, certain sections of Hillside Avenue featured curbside bus lanes that were only operational during rush hours. These lanes were among the first installed in the city back in 1969, and the current project marks their first major upgrade in over five decades.
Future Plans for Public Transit
The Hillside Avenue project contributes to the DOT’s broader initiative to create 150 miles of dedicated bus lanes by 2026. Other ongoing projects include enhancements on 96th Street in Manhattan, Northern Boulevard in Queens, and Livingston Street in Brooklyn.
The redesign process involved extensive community engagement, including around 300 pedestrian surveys in multiple languages, visits to hundreds of local businesses, and consultations with community boards and stakeholders. This collaborative approach demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs of Queens residents while improving public transportation infrastructure.
As Queens welcomes this transit upgrade, the expectation is clear: a faster, more efficient bus service that benefits both everyday commuters and local businesses alike.
