Bx23 and Q50 buses

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| footer = Two 1999 Nova Bus RTS-06s on the Bx23; one running in the 5-4-3-2-1 pattern (5195; top) and one running in the 1-2-3-4-5 pattern (5189; bottom) in Co-Op City, at Bruckner Blvd/Pelham Bay Park.

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The original QBx1 service began at the Flushing–Main Street subway station in Downtown Flushing, Queens (within a section of Flushing also known as Flushing Chinatown). It ran north on Main Street to Northern Boulevard, then east to Linden Place. It then ran north on Linden Place to the Whitestone Expressway, sharing the street with the {{NYC bus link|Q25}} and {{NYC bus link|Q34}}. The QBx1 proceeded north on the Whitestone Expressway service road and then onto the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge crossing into the Bronx, and then onto the Hutchinson River Parkway service road to Lafayette Avenue. This portion of the route across the bridge to Bruckner Boulevard was shared with the {{NYC bus link|Q44}}, the only other local bus between the Bronx and Queens. At the Bruckner Interchange, the QBx1 turned onto Bruckner Boulevard (the Bruckner Expressway service road), traveling east then north to the Pelham Bay Park subway station. This section is shared with the Bx5. Only selected buses ran between Flushing and Pelham Bay; most QBx1 runs remained in the Bronx.{{rp|11, 14}}{{Cite web |date=September 2015 |title=Northeast Queens Bus Study |url=http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/northeast_queens_bus_study_-_final_9-28-15.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219015630/http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/northeast_queens_bus_study_-_final_9-28-15.pdf |archive-date=December 19, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}* {{cite web|title=QBx1 Bus Timetable: Effective Fall 2009|url=http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/qbx001cur.pdf|publisher=MTA Bus Company|access-date=January 11, 2016|date=2009|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072628/http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/qbx001cur.pdf|url-status=live}}

• {{cite web|title=Queens Bus Map: Notes|publisher=mta.info|access-date=July 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030323105237/http://www.lirr.org/nyct/maps/busqns2.pdf|url=http://www.lirr.org/nyct/maps/busqns2.pdf|date=December 2002|archive-date=March 23, 2003|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web|title=Bronx Bus Service: December 2002|url=http://mta.info/nyct/maps/busbx2.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040317100409/http://mta.info/nyct/maps/busbx2.pdf|archive-date=March 17, 2004|date=December 2002}}* {{cite web|author1=Urbitran Associates, Inc|title=NYCDOT Bus Ridership Survey and Route Analysis Final Report: Chapter 3 Transit System Characteristics|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotbusrsra_2.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=October 16, 2015|date=May 2004|pages=72–73|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617061317/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotbusrsra_2.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|author1=Urbitran Associates, Inc|title=NYCDOT Bus Ridership Survey and Route Analysis Final Report: Chapter 4 Operating and Financial Performance|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotbusrsra_3.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=December 20, 2015|date=May 2004|page=9|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016053258/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotbusrsra_3.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|title=Appendix B: Route Profiles|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/appb.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=November 8, 2015|page=532|archive-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108201313/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/appb.pdf|url-status=live}}

North of Pelham Bay Park, the QBx1 ran several different services to different parts of Co-op City. The full route circumscribed the entire development, running (clockwise) north along the New England Thruway service road to Bartow Avenue (near the current Bay Plaza Shopping Center), through Section 1, via the Dreiser Loop, through Sections 2 and 3, via the Asch Loop in Section 4, and through Section 5 before returning to Pelham Bay. This pattern operated clockwise (sections 1-2-3-4-5) or counterclockwise (sections 5-4-3-2-1).{{efn|name=Sections}} The full Flushing−Co-op City service either ran clockwise from Flushing or counterclockwise to Flushing.{{rp|11, 14}}

The QBx1 operated a total of ten service patterns, varying on the time of day.{{rp|5}} During weekday off-peak hours and weekends, the route operated either between Flushing and all five sections of Co-op City, or as a circulatory shuttle service between Pelham Bay and the five sections. During the AM peak a total of five service patterns were used. The three primary AM patterns were Pelham Bay to Bellamy Loop, serving Section 3 via sections 1-2-3; Pelham Bay to Asch Loop, serving Section 4 only; and Pelham Bay running clockwise via Bartow Avenue, serving Sections 4 and 5 before returning to Pelham Bay. The intermittent service to and from Flushing ran via the Bellamy Loop route. The three PM peak hour services were Flushing to Pelham Bay and Bellamy Loop; Pelham Bay to Bellamy Loop; and Pelham Bay running counterclockwise to Sections 5 and 4, Asch Loop, and back to Pelham Bay.{{efn|name=Sections}}{{rp|5}} While this structure provided direct service to individual sections of Co-op City, the structure was considered confusing and inconvenient due to the many different service patterns under one route designation, and the lack of service between Queens and the Bronx.{{rp|5}}

The following table shows the variants of the QBx1:{{rp|5}}

File:9355 Bx23.jpg

The Bx23 constitutes a simplified version of the former QBx1 route between Pelham Bay Park and Co-op City, running either clockwise (1-2-3-4-5) or counterclockwise (5-4-3-2-1) before returning to Pelham Bay. The Q50, meanwhile, runs primarily between Flushing and Pelham Bay Park; there is no direct Co-op City-to-Queens service except during rush hours, when Q50 buses are extended north to Erskine Place and Earhart Lane in Section 5, traveling clockwise in Co-op City northbound and counterclockwise southbound. The Q50 employs limited-stop service, making fewer stops in Queens and bypassing the individual loops of Co-op City served by the Bx23. The routes run at all times except late nights; at these times, Co-op City service is replaced by the {{NYC bus link|Bx28}}.{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}{{Cite NYC bus map|Bx}}

At Pelham Bay Park, both directions of Bx23 and Q50 service share three adjacent bus stops on the southbound Bruckner Boulevard to the south of the subway station. The southernmost stop at the intersection of Bruckner and Amendola Place is used by Flushing-bound Q50 service. The middle stop is used by all clockwise Co-Op City service (Q50 buses to Section 5 and Bx23 buses via 1-2-3-4-5). The northernmost stop is used by Bx23 buses operating the counterclockwise loop. Because of this setup, Bronx-bound Q50 buses must U-turn at Westchester Avenue to stop at Pelham Bay, then U-turn again towards Co-op City.{{cite web|title=MTA Bus Time: Bx23 Pelham Bay – Co-Op City|url=http://bustime.mta.info/#Bx23|website=mta.info|publisher=MTA Bus Time|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107093818/http://bustime.mta.info/#Bx23|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=MTA Bus Time: Q50 Co-Op City/Pelham Bay – Flushing|url=http://bustime.mta.info/#Q50|website=mta.info|publisher=MTA Bus Time|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107093818/http://bustime.mta.info/#Q50|url-status=live}}

Prior to 2014, the Bx23 employed additional service patterns during rush hours, similar to its predecessor route. Buses would travel via 1-2-3-4 (AM rush) or 4-3-2-1 (PM rush) and return to Pelham Bay, or directly to Section 5 via Bartow Avenue/Bay Plaza/Section 4 (clockwise AM; counterclockwise PM) and return to Pelham Bay. This was eliminated to maintain one consistent service pattern at all times, and allow service between all sections of Co-op City at all times.{{rp|11–12}}{{cite web|title=Bx23 schedule: Effective Spring 2013|url=http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/bx023cur.pdf|publisher=MTA Bus Company|access-date=February 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721081501/http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/bx023cur.pdf|archive-date=July 21, 2013|url-status=dead|date=2013}}

The Bx23 and Q50 are two of the several local bus routes to serve Co-op City, which is heavily dependent on bus service. They are among four routes (along with the {{NYC bus link|Bx5}} on weekends, and the {{NYC bus link|Bx12 SBS}}) to feed into Pelham Bay Park station from the neighborhood, and the only two to serve all five sections of the development (except for the late night Bx28 service).{{rp|10–11}}

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| footer = Two 1999 Orion V CNGs from the former Queens Surface on the QBx1 under MTA operations before (9891; left) and after (9927; right) repainting into MTA colors.

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The QBx1 was in operation since at least the mid-1960s under the Queens Transit Corporation, labeled the "Bx1" on Queens bus maps.{{cite web|title=1975 Queens Bus Map|url=http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=16356|website=wardmaps.com|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|access-date=February 18, 2016|date=1975|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309120301/http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=16356|url-status=dead}} The route originally operated between Flushing and Pelham Bay Park.{{cite news|last1=Poust|first1=Mary Ann|title=Bronx bus routes to change|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252010%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Herald%2520Statesman%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Herald%2520Statesman%25201982%2520Grayscale%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Herald%2520Statesman%25201982%2520b%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200862.pdf|access-date=January 11, 2016|work=Gannett Westchester Newspaper|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=December 6, 1982|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627220429/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2010/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman%201982%20Grayscale/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman%201982%20b%20Grayscale%20-%200862.pdf|url-status=live}} By 1968, the QBx1 was extended to Co-op City.{{cite news|last1=Fried|first1=Joseph P.|title=Strike of 4 Bus Lines Disrupts Travel For Thousands In Queens and Bronx|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/14/nyregion/strike-of-4-bus-lines-disrupts-travel-for-thousands-in-queens-and-bronx.html|access-date=January 11, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=August 14, 1985|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307014829/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/14/nyregion/strike-of-4-bus-lines-disrupts-travel-for-thousands-in-queens-and-bronx.html|url-status=live}} The bus company would become Queens-Steinway Transit Corporation in 1986, and Queens Surface Corporation in 1988.{{cite book|author1=Roger P. Roess|author2=Gene Sansone|title=The Wheels That Drove New York: A History of the New York City Transit System|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&pg=PA416|date=August 23, 2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-642-30484-2|pages=273|access-date=February 18, 2016|archive-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516161255/https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&pg=PA416|url-status=live}}

On February 27, 2005, the MTA Bus Company took over the operations of the Queens Surface routes as part of the city's takeover of all the remaining privately operated bus routes.{{cite web|url=http://www.apta.com/mc/multimodal/previous/2010/Presentations/The-Merger-of-Seven-Private-Companies-into-One-MTA-Company.pdf|title=The Merger of 7 Private Bus Companies into MTA Bus|last1=Silverman|first1=Norman|date=July 26, 2010|website=apta.com|publisher=American Public Transportation Association, Metropolitan Transportation Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016062828/http://www.apta.com/mc/multimodal/previous/2010/Presentations/The-Merger-of-Seven-Private-Companies-into-One-MTA-Company.pdf|archive-date=October 16, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=October 16, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/major-bus-join-mta-article-1.554973|title=MAJOR BUS CO. TO JOIN MTA|last1=Woodberry, Jr.|first1=Warren|date=February 24, 2005|work=Daily News (New York)|access-date=January 4, 2016|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530134706/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/major-bus-join-mta-article-1.554973|url-status=live}}

In 2009, ten buses from the Eastchester Depot near Co-op City (the former New York Bus Service depot) began to operate on QBx1 service.{{cite web|last1=Boyle|first1=Daniel|last2=Pappas|first2=John|last3=Boyle|first3=Phillip|last4=Nelson|first4=Bonnie|last5=Sharfarz|first5=David|last6=Benn|first6=Howard|title=Appendixes to TCRP Report 135: Controlling System Costs: Basic and Advanced Scheduling Manuals and Contemporary Issues in Transit Scheduling|url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_webdoc_45.pdf|publisher=Transportation Research Board|access-date=January 11, 2016|date=March 2009|archive-date=May 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523001445/http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_webdoc_45.pdf|url-status=live}} Two additional stops in the Bronx were added to the route in June 2010, at Baisley Avenue (southbound) and Kearny Avenue (northbound) both at Bruckner Boulevard, to connect with a pedestrian overpass to the Country Club neighborhood.{{cite news|author1=Post Staff Report|title=New bus routes should satisfy all|url=https://nypost.com/2010/06/03/new-bus-routes-should-satisfy-all-2/|access-date=January 11, 2016|work=New York Post|date=June 3, 2010|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304123917/http://nypost.com/2010/06/03/new-bus-routes-should-satisfy-all-2/|url-status=live}}

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| footer = Two 1999 Orion Vs on the Q50 Limited: 6025 near the Flushing-Main St station (top), and 6012 bound for Flushing at Co-Op City Boulevard/Peartree Avenue (bottom).

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On September 12, 2010, the QBx1 was split into the Q50 Limited and Bx23 routes, simplifying the many service patterns of the former QBx1 route, but eliminating direct service between Pelham Bay and the individual sections of Co-op City.{{cite web|title=Review of Bus Service & Performance in Co-op City with Recommendations for Service Enhancements|url=http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/nyct/coop_city_comprehensive_study_january_2014.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 11, 2015|date=January 2014|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105012718/http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/nyct/coop_city_comprehensive_study_january_2014.pdf|url-status=live}}{{rp|4}}{{cite web|last1=Reyes|first1=Lennin|title=Confusing Bus Riders One Cut at a Time|url=http://bronxjournal.com/2011/11/confusing-bus-riders-one-cut-at-a-time/|publisher=The Bronx Journal|access-date=September 26, 2015|date=November 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927082118/http://bronxjournal.com/2011/11/confusing-bus-riders-one-cut-at-a-time/|archive-date=September 27, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=MTA Bus Service Changes|url=http://www.mta.info/busco/advisories.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125112403/http://mta.info/busco/advisories.htm|archive-date=November 25, 2010|url-status=dead|date=November 2010}} In addition, the changes were made in conjunction with controversial cuts in service to other Co-op City routes during the MTA's 2010 budget crisis,{{cite web|title=2010 NYC Transit Service Reductions – Revised |url=http://mta.info/news/pdf/NYCT_Revised_Service_Changes.pdf |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218020135/http://www.mta.info/news/pdf/NYCT_Revised_Service_Changes.pdf |archive-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |date=March 19, 2010 }} and received negative input from the community.{{rp|4}}{{cite news|last1=Cunningham|first1=Jennifer H.|title=Bus service back on track in Co-op City: MTA OK's bus service upgrades in Co-op City after slashing service in 2010|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/mta-approved-bus-service-improvements-co-op-city-article-1.1595855|access-date=January 11, 2016|work=Daily News (New York)|date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040925/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/mta-approved-bus-service-improvements-co-op-city-article-1.1595855|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Stuttig|first1=Bill|title=Bus service restoration to be the focus of two townhall meetings set for Wednesday in Dreiser Auditorium|url=http://issuu.com/cctimes/docs/052513_cct|access-date=January 11, 2016|work=Co-op City Times|date=May 25, 2013|pages=1, 4|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627220423/https://issuu.com/cctimes/docs/052513_cct|url-status=live}}

On June 29, 2014, the rush hour service pattern of the Bx23 was eliminated, with the off-peak pattern going into effect at all times. In addition, a stop on the Bx23 was added at Adler Place in the Asch Loop. A stop for the Q50 was also added outside the Dreiser Loop.{{cite web|title=Planned Service Changes: Service adjustment in Co-op City|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Bx23.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 11, 2016|date=June 29, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084450/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Bx23.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Planned Service Changes: New Bus Stops in Co-Op City|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Bx23_Q50LTD.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 11, 2016|date=2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115349/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Bx23_Q50LTD.htm|url-status=live}} These changes were the result of a study of bus routes in Co-op City.{{rp|8}}

As part of the MTA's 2017 Fast Forward Plan to speed up mass transit service, a draft plan for a reorganization of Bronx bus routes was proposed in draft format in June 2019, with a final version published in October 2019. The Bronx draft plan called for the Bx23 to be the sole route serving Co-op City; many of the draft proposals were not included in the final version. These changes were set to take effect in mid-2020.{{cite web|url=https://ny.curbed.com/2019/10/22/20926765/mta-nyc-bus-bronx-redesign-transportation|title=MTA's Bronx bus redesign will chop 400 stops and add new routes|last=Spivack|first=Caroline|date=October 22, 2019|website=Curbed NY|access-date=December 1, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128135053/https://ny.curbed.com/2019/10/22/20926765/mta-nyc-bus-bronx-redesign-transportation|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/5638098/|title=MTA releases final Bronx bus system overhaul proposal|date=October 22, 2019|website=ABC7 New York|access-date=December 1, 2019|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101030034/https://abc7ny.com/5638098/|url-status=live}} The final Bronx bus plan did not modify the Bx23's routing or stop locations, though the frequency of the route was to be increased.{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/11321|title=Final Plan, Bronx Bus Network Redesign|date=December 2019|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028234204/https://new.mta.info/document/11321|url-status=live}}{{rp|91}} Additionally, in December 2019, the MTA released a draft redesign of the Queens bus network.{{cite web|url=https://qns.com/story/2019/12/17/mta-gives-sneak-peek-of-transformative-queens-bus-network-redesign-plan-at-queens-borough-board-meeting/|title=MTA gives 'sneak peek' of transformative Queens bus network redesign plan|last=Acevedo|first=Angélica|date=December 17, 2019|website=QNS.com|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101011747/https://qns.com/story/2019/12/17/mta-gives-sneak-peek-of-transformative-queens-bus-network-redesign-plan-at-queens-borough-board-meeting/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2019/12/31/mta-unveils-draft-proposal-to-redesign-bus-network-in-queens|title=MTA Unveils Draft Proposal to Redesign Bus Network in Queens|date=December 31, 2019|website=Spectrum News NY1 | New York City|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101011749/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2019/12/31/mta-unveils-draft-proposal-to-redesign-bus-network-in-queens|url-status=live}} As part of the Queens redesign, the Q50 would have become the QT50, extended to LaGuardia Airport; the northern section in Co-op City would have been truncated.{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/12706|title=Draft Plan, Queens Bus Network Redesign|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|date=December 2019|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231075237/https://new.mta.info/document/12706|url-status=live}} Both redesigns were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City in 2020.{{Cite web|title=Queens bus network redesign remains on hold amid COVID-19 pandemic: MTA|url=https://qns.com/story/2020/06/01/queens-bus-network-redesign-remains-on-hold-amid-covid-19-pandemic-mta/|access-date=July 5, 2020|website=QNS.com|language=en-US|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705220043/https://qns.com/story/2020/06/01/queens-bus-network-redesign-remains-on-hold-amid-covid-19-pandemic-mta/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=MTA sets June date for Bronx bus redesign rollout | website=amNewYork | date=February 20, 2022 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-sets-june-date-bronx-bus-redesign-rollout/ | access-date=March 31, 2022 | archive-date=February 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224023527/https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-sets-june-date-bronx-bus-redesign-rollout/ | url-status=live }} The original Queens draft plan was dropped due to negative feedback,{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=MTA to release 'totally redone' Queens bus network redesign draft in early 2022 | website=amNewYork | date=December 15, 2021 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-to-release-totally-redone-queens-bus-network-redesign-draft-in-early-2022/ | access-date=January 21, 2022 | archive-date=January 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121010646/https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-to-release-totally-redone-queens-bus-network-redesign-draft-in-early-2022/ | url-status=live }} while the implementation of the Bronx redesign was postponed to mid-2022.{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=MTA revives borough bus network redesigns, starting with the Bronx – Bronx Times | website=Bronx Times | date=August 19, 2021 | url=https://www.bxtimes.com/mta-revives-borough-bus-network-redesigns-starting-with-the-bronx/ | access-date=September 4, 2021 | archive-date=April 8, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408133051/https://www.bxtimes.com/mta-revives-borough-bus-network-redesigns-starting-with-the-bronx/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=NYC officials announce ambitious plan to expand MTA bus service | website=ABC7 New York | date=August 16, 2021 | url=https://abc7ny.com/10955225/ | access-date=September 4, 2021 | archive-date=September 4, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904021530/https://abc7ny.com/10955225/ | url-status=live }}

A revised Queens draft plan was released in March 2022.{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=FIRST ON amNY: MTA reveals new Queens bus redesign draft plan | website=amNewYork | date=March 29, 2022 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/queens-bus-redesign-relaunch/ | access-date=March 29, 2022 | archive-date=March 29, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329151616/https://www.amny.com/transit/queens-bus-redesign-relaunch/ | url-status=live }} The plan for the Q50 is similar to that in the 2019 redesign and would still serve LaGuardia Airport.{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/79636|title=Draft Plan, Queens Bus Network Redesign|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|date=March 2022|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329153951/https://new.mta.info/document/79636|url-status=live}} The Bronx bus redesign took effect on June 26, 2022;{{cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |date=June 26, 2022 |title=What to know about the Bronx bus redesign |url=https://www.amny.com/news/what-to-know-about-the-bronx-bus-redesign/ |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=amNewYork |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627011649/https://www.amny.com/news/what-to-know-about-the-bronx-bus-redesign/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=June 26, 2022 |title=MTA launches redesigned bus network in the Bronx |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mta-launches-redesigned-bronx-bus-network/ |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=CBS News |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627004806/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mta-launches-redesigned-bronx-bus-network/ |url-status=live }} as part of the Bronx redesign, the Q50 only served Co-op City during rush hours, terminating at Pelham Bay Park during all other times.{{cite web |date=June 26, 2022 |title=Bronx Local Bus Network Redesign: Q50 LTD |url=https://new.mta.info/document/89426 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616220609/https://new.mta.info/document/89426 |url-status=live }}

A final bus redesign plan for Queens was released in December 2023.{{cite web | last=Brachfeld | first=Ben | title=MTA unveils final proposal for Queens bus network redesign | website=amNewYork | date=December 12, 2023 | url=https://www.amny.com/new-york/queens/mta-final-proposal-queens-bus-network-redesign/ | access-date=December 13, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Shkurhan | first=Iryna | title=MTA unveils final plan to overhaul Queens bus network for the first time in decades | website=QNS.com | date=December 13, 2023 | url=https://qns.com/2023/12/mta-unveils-final-plan-overhaul-queens-bus-network/ | access-date=December 14, 2023}} The Q50 would still be extended to LaGuardia Airport but would use Roosevelt Avenue instead, taking over the routing of the previous Q48 route. The Q50 would also start running 24/7.{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/128476|title=Final Plan, Queens Bus Network Redesign|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|date=Dec 2023|access-date=January 1, 2020|pages=255–256}}

On December 17, 2024, addendums to the final plan were released.{{cite web |last=Russo-Lennon |first=Barbara |date=December 17, 2024 |title=Hold that bus! Queens riders to get more bus service, better rail connections if MTA approves redesign plan |url=https://www.amny.com/news/queens-bus-service-redesign-plan/ |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=amNewYork}}{{cite web |last=Heyward |first=Giulia |date=December 17, 2024 |title=After years of delays, MTA finally moves ahead with Queens bus redesign |url=https://gothamist.com/news/after-years-of-delays-mta-finally-moves-ahead-with-queens-bus-redesign |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=Gothamist}} A stop in both directions was placed at Whitestone Expressway/14th Avenue for customer benefits from College Point and Whitestone, and current daytime patterns were retained. Because of circumstances facing service to LaGuardia Airport, the Flushing terminal was also kept. As a result, current {{NYC bus link|Q48}} service will be retained between Flushing and LaGuardia Airport, but will be rerouted from 108th Street to Seaver Way and renumbered the Q90, as the Q48 designation will be reassigned to the Glen Oaks branch of the {{NYC bus link|Q46}}. It will also become a "Limited" route making fewer stops.{{cite web|title=Queens Bus Network Redesign Proposed Final Plan Addendum|url= https://new.mta.info/document/160201|access-date=17 December 2024}} On January 29, 2025, the current plan was approved by the MTA Board,{{cite web|title=MTA approves major changes coming to Queens bus network starting this summer|url=https://www.amny.com/news/major-changes-coming-to-queens-bus-network/|author=Barbara Russo-Lennon|publisher=amNewYork Metro|date=29 January 2025|access-date=29 January 2025}} and the Queens Bus Redesign will go into effect in two different phases during Summer 2025.{{cite web|title=MTA approves major changes coming to Queens bus network starting this summer|url= https://ny1.com/nyc/queens/traffic_and_transit/2025/02/20/queens-bus-network-redesign-to-launch-this-summer--mta-says#:~:text=MTA%20announced%20Thursday.-,Phase%20one%20will%20launch%20on%20Sunday%2C%20June%2029%2C%20and%20phase,faster%20service%20to%20train%20stations.|author=Atlan Hassard|publisher=Spectrum News NY1|date=20 February 2025|access-date=22 February 2025}}

File:Main St 39th Av td (2018-07-15) 02 - Q50 Bike Rack.jpg

In April 1994, bike racks were installed onto QBx1 buses to carry bicycles over the Whitestone Bridge. This was the first bike-on-bus program in the city.{{cite web|url=http://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/New-York-City-Bicycle-Master-Plan-1997.pdf|title=New York City Bicycle Master Plan|date=May 1997|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of City Planning|access-date=January 11, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305002029/http://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/New-York-City-Bicycle-Master-Plan-1997.pdf|url-status=live}} The service was offered on a seasonal basis (April to September), with pick-up/drop-off points at 20th Avenue in Whitestone, Queens and Lafayette Avenue near Ferry Point Park in the Bronx.{{cite web|url=http://www.transalt.org/sites/default/files/resources/2005mapfront.pdf|title=NYC Cycling Map: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island|date=2005|website=transalt.org|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning, New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=January 11, 2016|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111105207/http://www.transalt.org/sites/default/files/resources/2005mapfront.pdf|url-status=live}} However, the bike-on-bus program was eliminated on February 27, 2005, the same day as the MTA takeover.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/bike_survey.pdf|title=The New York City Bicycle Survey: A Report Based on the Online Public Opinion Questionnaire Conducted for Bike Month 2006|date=May 2007|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102831/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/bike_survey.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2017, it was announced that bike racks would be installed on the fronts of Bx23 and Q50 buses by spring 2018. Each rack, mounted on the front of each bus, would be able to carry two bicycles.{{Cite news|url=http://bronx.news12.com/story/36390645/mta-will-add-bike-racks-to-bx23-q50-buses|title=MTA will add bike racks to Bx23, Q50 buses|date=September 18, 2017|work=Bronx Home News|access-date=September 18, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920111146/http://bronx.news12.com/story/36390645/mta-will-add-bike-racks-to-bx23-q50-buses|url-status=live}} This was part of the MTA's ongoing pilot program to mount bike racks on several bus routes. In September 2015, the {{NYC bus link|S53}} and {{NYC bus link|S93}} routes in Staten Island had been the first routes to receive the racks.{{cite news|title=Racks Available on S53, S93 Routes for 1-Year Pilot Testing Feasibility, Impact to Service|url=http://www.mta.info/news-bikes-buses-new-york-city-transit/2015/08/31/racks-available-s53-s93-routes-1-year-pilot|access-date=March 9, 2016|work=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|date=August 31, 2015|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309150032/http://www.mta.info/news-bikes-buses-new-york-city-transit/2015/08/31/racks-available-s53-s93-routes-1-year-pilot|url-status=live}} The expanded program restored bike racks on the Flushing to Co-op City bus corridor for the first time since 2005.{{Cite news|url=http://www.amny.com/transit/bike-racks-coming-to-bx23-q50-buses-next-spring-mta-says-1.14204352|title=Bike racks coming to Bx23, Q50 buses: MTA|last=Barone|first=Vin|date=September 18, 2017|work=am New York|access-date=September 18, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918061156/http://www.amny.com/transit/bike-racks-coming-to-bx23-q50-buses-next-spring-mta-says-1.14204352|url-status=live}} On July 1, 2018, bike rack service was inaugurated on the Bx23 and Q50 routes.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-running-bus-routes-new-bike-racks-summer|title=MTA Running Bus Routes with New Bike Racks This Summer|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|language=en|access-date=July 7, 2018|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707201401/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-running-bus-routes-new-bike-racks-summer|url-status=live}}{{cite web | last=Mascali | first=Nikki M. | title=Bus bike racks now available on 4 MTA routes in Queens, Bronx and Staten Island | website=Metro US | date=July 2, 2018 | url=https://www.metro.us/bus-bike-racks-now-available-on-4-mta-routes-in-queens-bronx-and-staten-island/ | access-date=December 22, 2022}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{attached KML|display=inline,title}}

• {{commons category-inline|Flushing–Co-op City buses}}
• [http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/nyct/coop_city_comprehensive_study_january_2014.pdf Review of Bus Service & Performance in Co-op City with Recommendations for Service Enhancements] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105012718/http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/nyct/coop_city_comprehensive_study_january_2014.pdf |date=November 5, 2019 }} – MTA (January 2014)

{{Queens bus routes}}

{{Bronx bus routes}}

050

Category:Bus routes in the Bronx

Category:Co-op City, Bronx

Q050