New York – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF–Fresh Meadows) held a public oversight hearing today with fellow members of the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions to address outer borough transit needs that the MTA should consider for its 2015-2019 Capital Plan.

“Today's hearing brought to light how Eastern Queens continues to be one of the most underserved areas in New York City and that enhancements must be made to accommodate growing ridership,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “The feedback and concerns shared by union representatives, community organizers, and residents allowed us to put into perspective transit needs by borough for years to come.”

At the hearing Rozic made mention of her district not being served by any subway or train stations. She stressed the need for bus service enhancements so that residents could have more dependable and accessible options when traveling in and out of the neighborhood.

Rozic also took the opportunity to ask MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast for an update on the Northeast Queens bus restoration study that she helped secure money for in this year's state budget. As part of the study, the MTA will analyze the effects of the 2010 service cuts and the changing demographics and ridership in Northeast Queens. At the conclusion of the study in April 2015, the MTA will determine transit needs beyond restoration of routes that were eliminated or modified in 2010. The MTA also voiced their commitment to outreach in the community beginning Fall 2014.

“I look forward to working with the MTA this Fall as they begin their community outreach to assess what improvements need to be made so that residents can be better served,” said Rozic. “Similar studies performed in the past have produced results that greatly improved the condition of public transportation in transit-starved neighborhoods.”

John Raskin, Executive Director of the Riders Alliance, said, “More than ever, people are commuting within Queens or between Queens and Brooklyn or the Bronx. It's time for a renewed focus on improving bus service, so that residents in communities around the city will have better access to jobs and economic opportunity. That means implementing Bus Rapid Transit where possible, and also taking some best practices from better bus service to improve local bus routes around the city. I appreciate the work of Assembly Member Nily Rozic for focusing attention on this issue.”

In addition to the bus restoration study, updates were also made on a proposal to implement a Select Bus Service (SBS) route connecting Flushing and Jamaica, expansion of the Jamaica bus depot, and MTA Bus Time. The MTA continues to work on long-term projects such as the installation of Countdown Clocks on the B-Division (lettered lines) by the end of the 2015-2019 Capital Plan.

“Queens residents deserve affordable, accessible, and dependable public transportation options. With the help of community organizers and residents we can take the next steps to ensure that infrastructure investments are being made today to promote the future growth of families and small businesses everywhere.” added Rozic.