Elected Officials Urge Riders to Utilize Temporary QM15, QM16, and QM17 Service to Secure Its Continuation
Queens, NY — Today, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers alongside elected colleagues announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will extend enhanced express bus service as part of a pilot program on the Rockaway Peninsula, including the continued expansion of the QM15 route to Arverne through March, 2026 and additional peak trips on the QM16 and QM17 lines through January, 2026.
These enhancements, introduced during the recent A train service outage, helped address longstanding transit gaps for Rockaway residents—offering more flexible travel options during off-peak hours and on weekends. With A train service now fully restored, the extension of these improvements reflects the sustained advocacy of elected officials and community members for more equitable transit in the Rockaways. The MTA will monitor usage of these bus pilots to determine whether to further continue these expansions in service.
“This extension is the result of persistent community advocacy and collaboration with the MTA,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “It reflects the voices of residents who rely on these buses for access to jobs, schools, and essential services. But let me be clear—this extension is temporary. If we want to make these improvements permanent, riders must take advantage of the service now. Ridership will determine the future of express bus options in the Rockaways. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair Janno Lieber, New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, and the entire MTA team for listening to the needs of our community and working with us to bring these changes to life.”
“Reliable transit shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “These expanded express bus routes offer Rockaway families more options and more flexibility. I’m proud to stand with Council Member Brooks-Powers and our partners in government to push for continued improvements that reflect the needs of every neighborhood.”
“Expanding express bus service in the Rockaways is more than just a transportation upgrade—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when community voices are heard and leaders work together,” said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. “I thank Council Member Brooks-Powers and the MTA for responding to the needs of our residents. This pilot is an opportunity for us to demonstrate just how vital these routes are. Let’s take full advantage and show that enhanced transit in the Rockaways should be here for good.”
“I am proud to have specifically advocated for key accommodations during the A train outage, including the expansion of an express bus service pilot program for Rockaway residents,” said New York State Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson. “Although the A train is finally back—hopefully on time—I urge everyone to take full advantage of the expanded QM15, QM16, and QM17. This is a testament to what’s possible when community voices are heard and leaders work together. A special thank you to Majority Whip and Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers and the MTA for implementing this service. Once again, I urge our residents to take full advantage of this service – high usage will prove its merit to the MTA!”
The announcement comes after months of collaborative efforts between local officials, community organizations, and the MTA to ensure Rockaway residents have access to reliable transit options beyond the resiliency construction period.
Residents are encouraged to use the expanded QM15, QM16, and QM17 services and monitor updates via the MTA’s website or MYmta app. Community usage will be a critical factor in determining whether these improvements are made permanent.
Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:
Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov
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