Queens, NY<\/strong> \u2014 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. <\/p>\n These enhancements, introduced during the recent A train service outage, helped address longstanding transit gaps for Rockaway residents\u2014offering 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. <\/p>\n \u201cThis extension is the result of persistent community advocacy and collaboration with the MTA,\u201d said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers<\/strong>. \u201cIt reflects the voices of residents who rely on these buses for access to jobs, schools, and essential services. But let me be clear\u2014this 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReliable transit shouldn\u2019t be a luxury, it\u2019s a necessity,\u201d said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie<\/strong>. \u201cThese expanded express bus routes offer Rockaway families more options and more flexibility. I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExpanding express bus service in the Rockaways is more than just a transportation upgrade\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of what\u2019s possible when community voices are heard and leaders work together,\u201d said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr<\/strong>. \u201cI 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\u2019s take full advantage and show that enhanced transit in the Rockaways should be here for good.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d said New York State Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson<\/strong>. \u201cAlthough the A train is finally back\u2014hopefully on time\u2014I urge everyone to take full advantage of the expanded QM15, QM16, and QM17. This is a testament to what\u2019s 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!\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Residents are encouraged to use the expanded QM15, QM16, and QM17 services and monitor updates via the MTA\u2019s website or MYmta app. Community usage will be a critical factor in determining whether these improvements are made permanent.<\/p>\n Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:<\/p>\n