Expanded bus service is arriving in parts of Brooklyn.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday said 16 bus routes across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island will be improved beginning June 29.
In Brooklyn, the B17 (Crown Heights-Canarsie), B26 (Fulton St-Ridgewood), B74 (Sea Gate-Stillwell Avenue Station) and B103 (Canarsie-Downtown Brooklyn) will see expanded service that will reduce travel times, shorten commutes and cut wait times, according to a press release.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, fast and reliable public transit, and I’m investing in our buses and subways so we can deliver better service in every corner of our city,” Hochul said. “We’re taking action to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, bring stations and equipment up to par and create the best experience for every rider.”
The route expansions were first proposed by Hochul in November 2024 and are meant to broaden travel options besides driving between the five boroughs.
MTA Chair and Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber said accessible bus routes were essential in connecting New Yorkers to opportunities.
“Buses connect New Yorkers to jobs, education, entertainment and everything else the city has to offer," he said. "By increasing service on some of the busiest routes in the outer boroughs, we can deliver opportunity and quality of life upgrades to literally thousands of New Yorkers.”
State Senator Andrew Gounardes welcomed the initiative, adding that it will benefit the elderly and Brooklynites living with disabilities.
“Brooklynites from across my district rely on buses to get to work, school and everywhere else they need to go, and they deserve frequent, reliable service that works for them," he said. "That's especially true for seniors, folks with disabilities and those who live far from the subway. These are some of the highest-ridership bus routes in the city, and this service increase is a boon to New Yorkers and to our economy."
