Free Fare Bus Route In Queens To Start Month After Subway Fare Hike

QUEENS — New Yorkers in Queens will save a few quarters with a new free bus route.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Q4 bus, which runs between the Jamaica Ctr-Parsons subway station and Linden Boulevard, near 235 Street, will be part of a fare-free bus pilot in September. The pilot is expected to last six to 12 months.

The free route is scheduled to start the month after transit officials plan to increase the subway fare to $2.90 from $2.75.

The Q4 bus route joins four other free bus rides across the five boroughs. The routes were chosen based on ridership, fare evasion, service adequacy, equity for low-income and economically disadvantaged communities, and access to employment and commercial activity.

"I have called for free transit for New Yorkers and have cosponsored legislation that aims to eliminate fares on public transportation," Representative Grace Meng said. "I am thrilled to see this pilot program for free buses move forward, and hope it expands throughout our city."

The bus route in Queens primarily operates on Linden Boulevard, Merrick Boulevard and Archer Avenue and serves the Jamaica Center, South Jamaica, St. Albans and Cambria Heights neighborhoods.

Stops include connections to the E, J, Z trains, the St. Albans Long Island Rail Road station, and other bus routes.