MTA Announces Additional Bus Service to Support Riders During Rockaway Resiliency Project

Select QM15 Express Buses Extended to Arverne

QM16 and QM17 Will Each Make Additional Peak Trip to/from Manhattan

Adds to Free Shuttle Buses, Discounted LIRR Fares, Free Subway Shuttle

Service Changes to Accommodate Rockaway Resiliency Project Begin Jan. 17

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced additional service to support riders during the Rockaway Resiliency Project, which requires a 17-week outage of ​ subway service to/from the Rockaways. Beginning Friday, Jan. 17, service changes will be in effect to accommodate the project. During the outage, in addition to previously announced comprehensive service alternatives, select QM15 express buses will be extended to Arverne and will make QM17 stops beyond its regular terminus in Howard Beach. The QM15 will continue to make all regular stops in Queens and Manhattan.

The QM16 (western Rockaway/Broad Channel) and the QM17 (eastern Rockaway/Broad Channel) express buses will each add one peak roundtrip during this time. The regular $7 express bus fare will be charged on the QM15, QM16 and QM17.

This is in addition to previously announced comprehensive service alternatives including free shuttle buses, steep discounts on fares to/from the Long Island Rail Road's Far Rockaway Station, and a free subway shuttle, which will serve all stations on the Peninsula between Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park. New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow will meet with Rockaways customers on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Far Rockaway-Mott Av ​ station for a "TransitTalk" to hear their comments and concerns on the project.

"Last summer's ​ Train project proved that NYC Transit can deliver frequent, reliable and fast alternative service for customers while critical work is performed," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "Building on that successful playbook and running robust express and shuttle bus service, we will ensure that riders in the Rockaways can get around the city while we improve their line."

The select extended QM15 trips will run as follows for the duration of the service outage. Customers are advised to use the "plan trip" feature of the MTA app, on mta.info and refer to bus schedules to plan trips.

36 Extended Weekday Trips:

• Manhattan bound: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (except between 7:25 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. During this time, customers are advised to take a free shuttle bus to Howard Beach, or the QM16 or QM17)
• Queens bound: 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m.

20 Extended Saturday Trips:

• Manhattan bound: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Queens bound: 12:40 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.

QM 15 Express Buses will make the following additional QM17 stops to/from Arverne:

• Beach Channel Dr & Beach 54 St
• Beach Channel Dr & Beach 67 St
• Rockaway Beach Blvd & Beach 77 St
• Rockaway Beach Blvd & Beach 92 St
• Cross Bay Blvd & 16 Rd
• Cross Bay Blvd & Noel Rd
• Cross Bay Blvd & 163 Av
• Cross Bay Blvd & 158 Av

The MTA has also previously announced that Hugo Zamora has been appointed lead of the ​ service changes following a successful summer managing service and customer communications during a six-week service outage on the ​ line. Zamora will monitor deployment of shuttle buses and make real-time service adjustments to accommodate customer demand. He will also oversee communicating service changes to customers, including deploying customer service staff to needed areas and ensuring clear signage is maintained at affected areas. 

Click here to see more details on service changes on the ​​ line and Rockaway Park ​ in 2025. Customers can sign up for a newsletter to stay up to date on the latest service information, progress on construction and more. Click here to sign up.

The Rockaway Line Rehabilitation & Resiliency Project 

The Rockaway Line, which carries the ​​ train and Rockaway Park Shuttle and serves as a vital link between the Rockaway Peninsula and the rest of New York City, experienced extensive damage after Superstorm Sandy. While emergency repairs restored service seven months after the storm, Hammels Wye Viaduct and South Channel Bridge that carry trains across Broad Channel require extensive rehabilitation and repair work to ensure these structures withstand future extreme weather events.  

"This announcement reflects what can be achieved when agencies like the MTA and local leaders work together to meet the needs of the community," said NY State Senator James Sanders Jr. "The Rockaway Resiliency Project is a vital investment in our infrastructure, and the extension of QM15 service to Beach 54th Street, along with increased peak trips for QM16 and QM17, will make a real difference for Rockaway commuters. I encourage everyone to utilize these services and stay informed about the available options during this critical period."

"The announcement of off-peak and weekend express bus service for the Rockaways via the QM15 is a game-changer for transit equity in our communities," said NY State Senator Leroy Comrie. "Thanks to the visionary idea of AM Khaleel Anderson and the tireless advocacy of Southeast Queens residents and leaders like Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Rockaway residents will at long last, have more reliable and accessible transit options. This is a victory for all who have fought for expanded express bus service, like Senator James Sanders Jr. and I, who have been pushing for this since we were City Council Members. I'm happy to see this long-overdue service become a reality and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the lives of Rockaways residents."

"The Rockaways is a transportation desert with some of the longest commute times in the country," said Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson. "For nearly two decades, our community has fought for real express bus service, and I am proud to have led efforts to secure more service for our neighborhoods. While the 17-week subway disruption will bring significant challenges, I believe adequate bus service can keep commuters moving efficiently. The Rockaway Resiliency Project is a vital upgrade for our 9,000 daily riders. I remain hopeful that enhanced bus service will continue even after the ​ train resumes, addressing the unique transit needs of our community. I would also like to provide a special shout-out to our community leader, Sharon Hamlin, who consistently fought on this issue throughout her time here as an activist in the Arverne community."

"I am proud that the concerns raised by Rockaway residents and my office have resulted in meaningful transit adjustments by the MTA during this critical period," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "The extension of the QM15 to Beach 54th Street-providing much-needed off-peak and weekend express service for Rockaway residents-is a direct response to our persistent advocacy. Additionally, the increased peak service for the QM16 and QM17 routes will help ensure smoother commutes during the 17-week service disruption. The introduction of free shuttle buses and discounted $2.75 fares at the LIRR Far Rockaway Station are further measures that will provide residents with much-needed affordable transit alternatives. I commend the MTA for taking these important steps to address our community's needs and will continue working to ensure Rockaway residents have access to reliable and equitable transit options."

"Ensuring Rockaway families impacted by the necessary​ train shutdown can still easily access the rest of our city via mass transit has been a top priority for months. Today's announcement is a testament to importance of advocacy and partnership between the MTA and the Rockaway community, and I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues in government to expand express bus service along the peninsula during the shutdown," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "The people of the Rockaway Peninsula deserve efficient, high-quality public transportation options, and the Rockaway Resiliency Project is delivering on that promise."

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