MTA announces next step, implementation date of the Bronx local bus network redesign

The newly redesigned Bronx local bus network will launch June 26, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

In preparation for these changes, the MTA and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) are jointly commencing a large-scale public outreach effort to advise customers of the changes that will be implemented. Some bus riders will begin to see Guide-A-Ride inserts replaced as early as Monday, Feb. 28, with brightly colored inserts alerting that bus routes will be changing summer of 2022 at respective locations.

“With faster buses, more efficient routes and a network that’s going to improve accessibility to jobs, education and economic opportunity, the Bronx Bus redesign is truly a transformative plan developed in partnership with local community leaders and elected officials to better serve all Bronxites,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.

The New York City Transit (NYCT) team and DOT teams will begin adding new signage at approximately 450 bus stops throughout the Bronx advising customers of the implementation date of the redesigned network. Customers are encouraged to scan the QR code on the signs to learn more about the new routes, new destinations and benefits that will serve hundreds of thousands of Bronx bus riders.

“Our goal is to improve commute times and provide the most reliable service possible," said New York City Transit Interim President Craig Cipriano. “The Bronx local bus redesign does just that and we are excited to progressively see all the hard work behind this project come together.”

“The new Guide-A-Ride inserts that riders will slowly begin to see at multiple bus stops is an exciting reminder that good changes are coming,” added MTA Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer. “There has been extensive outreach behind developing the plan and we will continue to communicate via multiple channels to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.”

MTA staff will conduct a public outreach and education campaign via in-person, print and social media before and after the June 26 start date for the new network to provide sufficient notice of the changes ahead of implementation and trip guidance once the new network is in place. As the effective date approaches, bus riders will receive brochures that outline the redesign and NYCT staff will be available to answer questions at key locations throughout the borough. Information on these outreach efforts will be announced at a later date.

In December, the MTA Board unanimously approved the Bronx Local Bus Network Redesign, which includes changes to improve local, limited and Select Bus Service (SBS) routes. To deliver more efficient and reliable service, the redesigned network focuses on streamlining routes, enhancing connectivity, improving frequency, improving bus stop spacing and in partnership with DOT, expanding bus priority.

“I am thrilled to see the launch of the new Bronx local bus network coming along,” said MTA Bus Company Acting President and New York City Transit Department of Buses Senior Vice President Frank Annicaro. “Through years of collaborative work on planning, designing, listening to feedback, reworking, and restarting after the COVID-19 pause, we are excited to provide the Bronx community with the best redesign possible that delivers more efficient bus service.”