The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have announced a 160 million USD plan to enhance the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service.
The initiative aims to provide faster, more frequent, and more reliable connections between LaGuardia Airport, the subway in Jackson Heights, and the Long Island Rail Road and subway in Woodside.
The plan includes the installation of new bus-only lanes to bypass highway congestion, increased service frequencies to reduce overcrowding, and traffic signal prioritisation to minimise travel time.
The initiative follows a study conducted by an independent panel of transit experts, which recommended substantial improvements to bus service as an alternative to other transit expansion proposals.
Key Features of the Q70 Bus Service Enhancement
Traffic Signal Priority: New signals on Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway will prioritise the Q70 bus to reduce travel times.
Dedicated Bus Lane: A dedicated bus lane will be added on the northbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Northern Boulevard and Astoria Boulevard to improve service reliability.
Increased Service Frequency: Additional buses will operate between 10 am and 4 pm starting 1 June to accommodate increased ridership.
Dedicated Airport Access: A new pick-up and drop-off area near Terminal C will have direct, exclusive road access to avoid congestion on airport roads.
Wayfinding and Lighting Upgrades: Improvements at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue / 74 St and 61 St-Woodside Stations will enhance the passenger experience.
Enhanced Branding and Signage: New signs and branding will be introduced to better inform passengers about the improved service.
Governor Hochul said:The transformation of LaGuardia airport into a world-class destination that is recognised for its excellence is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York, and that starts with much needed enhancements in transportation to and from the airport. This new funding will advance several transportation projects, provide new bus lanes, reduce congestion and overcrowding, and install new traffic lights to prioritise buses into the airport. I’m proud to celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to creating a world-class transit option.
This funding proposal represents a step toward improved public transit access to LaGuardia Airport, complementing ongoing investments in airport infrastructure and service quality enhancements across the region.
