Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses#Q11

{{main|Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards}}

File:Woodhaven Bl Jamaica Av 18 - Woodhaven SBS.jpg

The Q11, Q21, Q52, and Q53 all share a route along most of Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards, between Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst and Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park. The Q11 and Q21 provide local service, while the Q52 and Q53 provide limited-stop service and extend into the Rockaways, an isolated peninsula in the south-west of Long Island which is popular as a summer retreat.{{cite web|title=MTA Bus Operations Committee Meeting March 2012|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/120326_1130_BUS.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=March 9, 2016|date=March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905233358/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/120326_1130_BUS.pdf|archive-date=September 5, 2015}}{{rp|45–52 (PDF p.47-54)}}{{rp|12}}{{rp|23}} The Q11 and Q21 originally corresponded to the northern (Woodhaven) and southern (Cross Bay) portions of the Boulevard respectively, while the Q53 originally made no stops along the corridor.{{rp|24}}{{cite web|title=54 Bus Routes Win Approval By City|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D00EED8173AEE3ABC4051DFB766838A629EDE|website=The New York Times|access-date=July 6, 2015|date=January 28, 1931|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707143944/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D00EED8173AEE3ABC4051DFB766838A629EDE|archive-date=July 7, 2015}} The corridor parallels the former Rockaway Beach Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, whose northern half remains inactive and whose southern half was reactivated for rapid transit service as the IND Rockaway Line of the New York City Subway.{{cite web|last1=Bresiger|first1=Gregory|title=The Trains Stopped Running Here 50 Years Ago|url=http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-07-18/Features/The_Trains_Stopped_Running_Here_50_Years_Ago.html|website=qgazette.com|publisher=Queens Gazette|access-date=July 3, 2015|date=July 18, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704120135/http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-07-18/Features/The_Trains_Stopped_Running_Here_50_Years_Ago.html|archive-date=July 4, 2015}} Service on the line to the Rockaways across Jamaica Bay was halted due to the 1950 fire on the Jamaica Bay trestle, and the LIRR sold the line to New York City due to its bankruptcy. The LIRR maintained service on the northern half of the line until 1962 while the NYCTA began operating subway service on the southern half in 1956.{{Cite book|url=http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/vital/access/services/Download/aql:339/SOURCE1?view=true|title=The Long Island Rail Road A Comprehensive History: Part Five (New York, Woodhaven & Rockaway Railroad; New York & Rockaway Beach railway; New York & Long Beach Railroad; New York & Rockaway railroad; Brooklyn rapid transit operation to Rockaway; Over L.I.R.R)|last=Seyfried|first=Vincent F.|year=1966|location=Garden City}}{{cite web|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/06/28/84703811.pdf|title=Rockaway Trains to Operate Today|date=June 28, 1956|website=The New York Times|last1=Freeman|first1=Ira Henry|access-date=June 29, 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25205602.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F63004186747aaa0bd8b49a91573896b8#page=1|title=An Era Ends at 6:09: Last Train Rides Forgotten Spur|date=June 8, 1962|work=Long Island Star-Journal|agency=Fultonhistory.com|page=11|access-date=August 18, 2016}}

Except for the Q53, all buses along the corridor end northbound service at Queens and Woodhaven Boulevards, at the Woodhaven Boulevard subway station of the IND Queens Boulevard Line and at the foot of Queens Center mall. Buses reenter service in a dedicated bus stop area on Hoffman Drive adjacent to the south side of Queens Boulevard. The Q53 serves these stops on its through service to or from Woodside.{{rp|12}}{{rp|23}}

File:Woodhaven Bl Jamaica Av 40.jpg

The Q11 begins at Queens Boulevard, and runs down the entire length of Woodhaven Boulevard and a short portion of Cross Bay Boulevard to Pitkin Avenue. The route then turns east along Pitkin, then south along several local streets through the eastern portion of Howard Beach, running near Aqueduct Racetrack and the Howard Beach–JFK Airport station of the subway and AirTrain JFK. At 160th Avenue, the route splits into two branches; a western branch to Old Howard Beach and an eastern branch to Hamilton Beach (the two neighborhoods are separated by Hawtree Creek). Both terminate near the southern coast of their respective neighborhoods at 165th Avenue.{{rp|12}}{{rp|24}}{{rp|110}}{{rp|51}} Select weekday rush hour trips and all late night service short-turn at Pitkin Avenue, via Redding Street.{{rp|3–4}} {{rp|3, 6, 9}} Prior to 2010, 24-hour service had been provided to Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach.{{cite web|last1=Braton|first1=Elizabeth|title=STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DISTRICT NEEDS FISCAL YEAR 2016|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/neigh_info/statement_needs/qn10_statement.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=Queens Community Board 10|access-date=December 31, 2015|date=2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231051634/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/neigh_info/statement_needs/qn10_statement.pdf|archive-date=December 31, 2015}}{{rp|7}}{{cite web|title=Route Q11 Woodhaven Effective Date: December 29, 2003|url=http://www.greenbus.com/122903/Q11.pdf|publisher=Green Bus Lines|access-date=December 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051223211232/http://www.greenbus.com/122903/Q11.pdf|archive-date=December 23, 2005|url-status=dead|date=December 29, 2003}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rockawave.com/news/2012-05-25/Community/Goldfeder_Asks_MTA_For_Q53_Public_Input.html|title=Goldfeder Asks MTA For Q53 Public Input|date=May 25, 2012|publisher=Wave of Long Island|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811075143/http://www.rockawave.com/news/2012-05-25/Community/Goldfeder_Asks_MTA_For_Q53_Public_Input.html|archive-date=August 11, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 31, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Gendron|first1=Roger|title=MTA Q11 Hamilton Beach service change|url=http://leaderobserver.com/bookmark/18922166-MTA-Q11-Hamilton-Beach-service-change|publisher=Leader-Observer|access-date=December 31, 2015|date=June 8, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231051127/http://leaderobserver.com/bookmark/18922166-MTA-Q11-Hamilton-Beach-service-change|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/20110615051430/http://www.mta.info/busco/advisories.htm|archive-date=June 15, 2011|url-status=dead|date=June 2011}}

The original Q11 route served both Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach as a single branch. After running to 165th Avenue in Old Howard Beach, it crossed a bridge over Hawtree Creek, which has since been removed, then ran north in Hamilton Beach to 102nd Street and Russell Street.{{cite news|title=All Transportation Lines Lead to Jamaica|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201943%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201943%2520a%2520-%25201679.pdf|access-date=January 14, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=March 31, 1943|page=9}}{{Cite book|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3003287;view=1up;seq=181|title=Sixteenth Annual Report For the Calendar Year 1936|publisher=Department of Public Service Metropolitan Division Transit Commission|year=1937}}{{rp|170, 502}}

Under the Queens Bus Redesign, the Q11 would be rerouted to serve Lindenwood, replacing Q21 service there. Some buses would terminate at Cross Bay Boulevard, while others continue via 157th Avenue to serve Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach in one trip.

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The Q21 begins at Queens Boulevard, and provides local service along the entire length of Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards in "mainland" Queens. Between Conduit Avenue (Elmhurst) or 153rd Avenue (Howard Beach) and 157th Avenue near the Belt Parkway, the Q21 turns west and runs on several local streets to provide service to the neighborhood of Lindenwood; the routing is labeled as "via Lindenwood". The route terminates near the Jamaica Bay shore at 164th Avenue in Howard Beach. For service to Elmhurst, it heads west on the avenue until 84th Street, then north to 160th Avenue, and east back to the boulevard. The Q21 runs less frequently than the Q11, and does not operate overnight.{{rp|3–11}}{{cite web|title=Planned Service Changes: Effective Sunday, July 1, 2012|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/service_changes_Q11_Q21_Q52_Q53.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 31, 2015|date=2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231044400/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/service_changes_Q11_Q21_Q52_Q53.htm|archive-date=December 31, 2015}} Before being transferred from Green Bus Lines to the MTA Bus Company (MTA), the Q21's northern terminus was at Liberty Avenue, and the route provided service between "mainland" Queens and the Rockaways via the Q53 routing, terminating at the current Flight 587 memorial at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.{{cite web|title=MTA Bus Operations Committee Meeting November 2011|url=http://www.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/111114_1115_BUS.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817125951/http://www.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/111114_1115_BUS.pdf|archive-date=August 17, 2012|url-status=dead|date=November 2011}}{{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|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108201313/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/appb.pdf|archive-date=November 8, 2015}}{{rp|130}}{{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|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016053258/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotbusrsra_3.pdf|archive-date=October 16, 2015}}{{rp|51–53}}{{cite news|title=Notice of Public Hearing: Franchise Matters|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2520-%25202205.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=April 5, 1937|page=12}} In 2008, the route was extended north along Woodhaven Boulevard.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockawave.com/news/2008-09-05/community/064.html|title=MTA Bus Extends Q21 Route To Queens Boulevard|date=September 5, 2008|publisher=Wave of Long Island|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309142653/http://www.rockawave.com/news/2008-09-05/community/064.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 31, 2015}}{{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/20081224014237/http://www.mta.info/busco/advisories.htm|archive-date=December 24, 2008|url-status=dead|date=December 2008}} In January 2012, the Q21 was rerouted to Arverne and a limited-stop branch was added.{{rp|49 (PDF p.51)}} This limited-stop service became the Q52 in July 2012, and the Q21 was subsequently truncated to Howard Beach.{{rp|50–51 (PDF p.52–53)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rockawave.com/news/2011-11-18/Top_Stories/MTA_Creating_Arverne_Bus_Service.html|title=MTA Creating Arverne Bus Service|date=November 18, 2011|publisher=Wave of Long Island|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309133718/http://www.rockawave.com/news/2011-11-18/Top_Stories/MTA_Creating_Arverne_Bus_Service.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|url-status=dead|last1=Briano|first1=Nicholas|access-date=December 31, 2015}} On weekday afternoons during the school year, select Q21 buses operate "school tripper" service from Rockaway Park. These trips begin at Beach 104th Street at the Scholars' Academy (I.S. 323) and across from Beach Channel Educational Campus, and operate along the former Q21 route through the Rockaways and Broad Channel.{{rp|6, 12}} This service was provided by the Q52 until it was converted into Select Bus Service in 2017 (see below).{{cite web|title=Q52/Q53 Schedule: Effective Fall 2017|url=http://web.mta.info/busco/schedules/q052cur.pdf|publisher=MTA Regional Bus Operations|date=2017}}{{rp|23}}

The Q21 previously had an additional branch called the Q21A, which provided service between Brooklyn and the Rockaways. This route began at the New Lots Avenue subway station in the New Lots subsection of East New York, Brooklyn. It ran east along Linden Boulevard, then south along Cross Bay Boulevard to the Rockaways.{{cite news|title=Franchises Awarded for Thirty-Four Bus Routes|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25205611.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=September 25, 1936|page=10}}{{cite web|last1=Roberts|first1=Richard|title=THE BEST PLACES TO PERCH TO SEE THE BIRDS CHECK IN|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/12/arts/the-best-places-to-perch-to-see-the-birds-check-in.html?pagewanted=all|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 16, 2015|date=April 12, 1985|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301102227/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/12/arts/the-best-places-to-perch-to-see-the-birds-check-in.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=March 1, 2016}}{{cite web|title=New Route To Rockaways: Board Allows Bus operation From New Lots Station in Brooklyn|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/06/02/94536229.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 31, 2015|date=June 2, 1934}} Unlike the Q21, the Q21A traveled east to Far Rockaway at the Mott Avenue subway station, a total distance of {{convert|13|mi|km}}. The route initially used Beach Channel Drive east of the Cross Bay Bridge, later using Rockaway Beach Boulevard/Edgemere Avenue (adjacent to the Rockaway Freeway).{{cite news|title=Bus Traffic Shows 12 Per Cent Gain; Trolley Lines Carry Fewer Passengers; Transit Commission Files Report for 3rd Quarter of 1936|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2520-%25201200.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=February 23, 1937|page=8}}{{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|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309120301/http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=16356|archive-date=March 9, 2016}}

A second branch, the Q21B, ran from New Lots Avenue non-stop to Beach 98th Street at the Rockaways' Playland amusement park. It then made stops in Rockaway Park and Neponsit before terminating at the beaches of Jacob Riis Park on the western portion of the peninsula. This route only operated during the summer months of 1936.{{cite news|title=New Bus Route Here: Express Service Between Brooklyn, Seaside and Riis Park, Monday.|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201935-1936%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201935-1936%2520-%25200641.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=June 11, 1936}}{{cite news|title=Green Bus Lines Incorporated|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25204897.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=August 24, 1936|page=13}}

Under the Redesign, this route would be eliminated due to the Q11's reroute in Lindenwood.

File:Beach Channel Dr Bch 54th St td (2018-12-13) 10a.jpg

The Q21 Limited service was split off into a separate route, the Q52, in July 2012.{{cite web|last1=Rafter|first1=Domenick|title=Queens Tribune – DOT Eyes New Bus Route To Rockaways|url=http://arvernebythesea.com/queens-tribune-dot-eyes-new-bus-route-to-rockaways/|publisher=Arverne by the Sea|access-date=October 13, 2015|date=May 18, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122554/http://arvernebythesea.com/queens-tribune-dot-eyes-new-bus-route-to-rockaways/|archive-date=March 4, 2016}} It begins at Queens Boulevard and runs down the entire length of Woodhaven and Cross Bay Bouevards through "mainland" Queens, making limited stops. It then crosses the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge onto the island of Broad Channel within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, where it makes several stops. It then crosses the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge onto the Rockaway peninsula in the neighborhood of Hammels, where it turns east onto Rockaway Beach Boulevard. The Q52 continues down the boulevard, turning left on Beach 62nd Street, right on Arverne Boulevard, and left on Beach 54th Street, terminating at Beach Channel Drive in Edgemere. Elmhurst-bound buses originating from that stop would use Beach Channel Drive before turning left on Beach 59th Street, right on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, and via its normal route through Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards.{{rp|23}} Prior to April 2017, southbound Q52s terminated at Beach 69th Street in Arverne, reentering service two blocks east at the Beach 67th Street subway station.

This route, along with the Q53, was converted to a Select Bus Service route on November 12, 2017. The route makes fewer stops than the limited-stop service, uses articulated buses, and travels on the corridor's bus lanes for a large section of its route, speeding travel times. Select southbound buses terminate at Cross Bay Boulevard & 163rd Avenue and not enter the Rockaways. As part of the conversion, it has been proposed to extend the Q52 east to Far Rockaway, along a similar route to the former Q21A.{{cite web|title=Woodhaven / Cross Bay Boulevard (Q52/53) Public Design Workshop: Woodhaven Blvd from Union Tpke to Rockaway Blvd|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-04-16-brt-woodhaven-dw1-presentation.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=December 28, 2015|date=April 16, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203849/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-04-16-brt-woodhaven-dw1-presentation.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{rp|8}}{{cite web|title=Woodhaven / Cross Bay Boulevard (Q52/53) Public Design Workshop: Broad Channel and the Rockaways|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-04-30-brt-woodhaven-dw4-presentation.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214235/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-04-30-brt-woodhaven-dw4-presentation.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{rp|3}}

File:2020 New Flyer XD60 6271 on the Q53 SBS July 2023.jpg

The Q53 SBS is the longest of the four routes, running a distance of {{convert|14|mi|km}}.{{rp|3}} It begins in Woodside, at the 61st Street subway station of the IRT Flushing Line and the Woodside LIRR station. The route then runs east along Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway, before joining the other three routes at Woodhaven Boulevard and Queens Boulevard and following the Q52's Select Bus Service-stop service pattern through mainland Queens and Broad Channel. After crossing Jamaica Bay and entering the Rockaway peninsula, the Q53 turns west on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and terminates at the Beach 116th Street subway station of the IND Rockaway Line in Rockaway Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-12-15-brt-woodhaven-cac5-presentation.pdf|title=Woodhaven / Cross Bay Boulevard (Q52/53) Community Advisory Committee Meeting #5|date=December 15, 2015|website=nyc.gov|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=December 26, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226160920/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/2015-12-15-brt-woodhaven-cac5-presentation.pdf|archive-date=December 26, 2015}}{{rp|8}}{{rp|8}}{{rp|23}}

Created as a replacement for Rockaway Beach Branch service in the 1950s,{{cite web|title=Bus Service Links Woodside, Rockaway|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53870282/?terms=%22Triboro%2BCoach%22%2BBus|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=October 12, 2015|page=6|date=June 25, 1950}}{{cite web|title=Bus Dispute Halts Rockaway Service: Company Suspends Week-End Queen-Branch runs Owing to Extra-Driver Pay Argument|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1952/08/09/84342966.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 12, 2015|date=August 9, 1952}} the Q53 was originally labeled an express service. It made stops at the Woodside LIRR station, Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street subway station, Grand Avenue station, and 63rd Drive subway station (near the former Rego Park LIRR station){{cite web|title=Queens Bus Map |url=http://nycityhealth.com/offices/ridgewood/busqn.pdf |website=nycityhealth.com |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |date=September 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916014855/http://nycityhealth.com/offices/ridgewood/busqn.pdf |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 6, 2015 }}{{rp|773}}{{rp|41–42}} before running non-stop{{cite web|last1=Onishi|first1=Norimitsu|title=For $2, Air-Conditioned Ride To a Day of Sun and Surf|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/14/nyregion/for-2-air-conditioned-ride-to-a-day-of-sun-and-surf.html?pagewanted=all|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2015|date=August 14, 1996|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118142240/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/14/nyregion/for-2-air-conditioned-ride-to-a-day-of-sun-and-surf.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=November 18, 2015}}{{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 news|author1=Triboro Coach|title=Triboro Coach Express Bus Service |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2520-%25206433.pdf|access-date=January 10, 2016|work=Long Island Star-Journal|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=July 10, 1959|page=7}} to Broad Channel and the Rockaways.{{rp|773}}{{rp|41–42}} Under the MTA, limited-stop service along Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevard was added in 2006,{{cite web|title=MTA To Add Six Stops To Q53 Route|url=http://www.rockawave.com/news/2006-03-17/Front_Page/003.html|website=rockawave.com|publisher=The Wave|access-date=July 6, 2015|date=March 17, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706172538/http://www.rockawave.com/news/2006-03-17/Front_Page/003.html|archive-date=July 6, 2015}} with service in Elmhurst added in 2009, and overnight service was added in 2013.{{cite web|title=Planned Service Changes: Overnight service added|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_q53ltd_sept2013.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 19, 2015|date=September 8, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222085826/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_q53ltd_sept2013.htm|archive-date=December 22, 2015}}

The Q53, originally being operated by Triboro Coach operated from the LaGuardia Depot in East Elmhurst.{{cite news|last1=Namako|first1=Tom|title=Union soaks city|url=https://nypost.com/2010/05/18/union-soaks-city/|access-date=August 6, 2016|work=Daily News (New York)|date=May 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919011525/http://nypost.com/2010/05/18/union-soaks-city/|archive-date=September 19, 2016}} Under takeover by the MTA, it was transferred to College Point Depot, a former Queens Surface Corporation facility on January 5, 2014, due to construction at the LaGuardia Depot.{{cite web|title=MTA Bus: College Point Pick Glossary; Effective: 09/04/2016|url=https://app.box.com/s/cfe5eec5df2516027491/1/9162750025/76822807889/1|publisher=MTA Bus Company|access-date=August 6, 2016|date=2016}} It returned to LaGuardia Depot, on January 8, 2017, in exchange for the {{NYC bus link|Q23}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lgapick.com/Pick%20Glossary%203-20-pm.pdf|title=Pick Glossary Spring 2017 (Updated 3/20/17)|date=March 20, 2017|website=lgapick.com|publisher=MTA Bus LaGuardia Depot|access-date=July 17, 2017}}{{rp|15 (PDF p.16)}}

{{#section:Select Bus Service|q52-table}}

{{main|List of express bus routes in New York City#QM15|l1=List of express bus routes in New York City}}

{{multiple image

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| footer = Two Motor Coach D4500CLs: one 2007 (3317) on the Lindenwood-bound QM15 in Midtown, and one 2006 (3239) on the Neponsit-bound QM16 at Cross Bay Boulevard/133rd Avenue

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}}

In addition to local and limited-stop service, four bus routes ({{NYC bus link|QM15|QM16|QM17|BM5}}) provide express bus service to Manhattan via the Woodhaven and Cross Bay corridor. The QM16 and QM17 provide service to the Rockaway Peninsula and Broad Channel, beginning in Neponsit (west) and Far Rockaway (east) respectively. They then make stops along Cross Bay Boulevard into Howard Beach, before running non-stop to Manhattan north of the Belt Parkway. The QM15 begins at Cross Bay Boulevard and 157th Avenue (with select runs beginning in eastern Howard Beach near Aqueduct Racetrack), and runs the Lindenwood route of the Q21 before making stops along the rest of the corridor. The BM5, which originates in Starrett City, Brooklyn, also serves the corridor north of Conduit Avenue, but does not make any stops north of 63rd Drive. All four routes proceed onto the Long Island Expressway at the interchange near Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst.{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}{{rp|36–37}} All routes were formally operated by Green Bus Lines, except the BM5, which was operated by Command Bus Company.

File:MTA Bus Orion V CNG 731.jpg

File:N Conduit Av 88th St td 09.jpg

The following also run on parts of the corridor:

• The {{NYC bus link|Q41}} follows the Q21's route via Cross Bay Boulevard and Lindenwood between 164th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard. It then proceeds east on Rockaway Boulevard and several local streets towards the 165th Street Bus Terminal in Downtown Jamaica, which is the terminus for many routes formerly operated by Green Bus Lines, also known as Green Lines.{{cite web|title=Analysis of Routes and Ridership of a Franchise Bus Service: Green Bus Lines|url=http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/NYCDOT-Green-Bus-Lines-Route-Analysis-final.pdf|website=utrc2.org/|publisher=City College of New York|access-date=September 30, 2015|date=October 2000|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001021409/http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/NYCDOT-Green-Bus-Lines-Route-Analysis-final.pdf|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}{{rp|32}}
• The {{NYC bus link|Q29}} and {{NYC bus link|Q38}} run on the boulevard to Queens Center Mall (northbound), or from Hoffman Drive (southbound). The Q29 heads to Dry Harbor Road, while the Q38 heads to Eliot Avenue.
• The {{NYC bus link|Q7}} runs between Rockaway Boulevard and Sutter Avenue. Under the Redesign, the {{NYC bus link|Q112}} would replace it.
• East Elmhurst-bound {{NYC bus link|Q23}} and Midtown-bound {{NYC bus link|QM12}} and {{NYC bus link|QM42}} buses run non-stop from Union Turnpike to Metropolitan Avenue, with the express buses extended to Yellowstone Boulevard, its southbound trips ending at Metropolitan, and also running on the short part of Woodhaven Boulevard between the Long Island Expressway and Queens Center Mall.
• The other express bus routes running this part are the {{NYC bus link|QM18}} and the southbound {{NYC bus link|QM10|QM11}}, and {{NYC bus link|QM40}}, with northbound buses getting onto the LIE from Hoffman Drive instead.
• The {{NYC bus link|QM24|QM25}}, and {{NYC bus link|QM34}} run between the LIE and Eliot Avenue.

File:MTA Bus MCI Classic 5887.jpg Classic bus (5887; now retired) on the Q11 laying over near Queens Center.]]

The Q11 began service in 1918 under Liberty Bus Transportation, also known as New York City Department of Plant & Structures Route 64, between Woodhaven and Howard/Hamilton Beach.{{cite news|title=City Will Protect Bus Employees By Clauses in All New Franchises; 32 Separate Bids Made for Routes in Queens; Green Line Offers 15 Per Cent for Entire Borough|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201934%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201934%2520-%25201936.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=April 6, 1934|page=1}}{{cite news|title=City Will Protect Bus Employees By Clauses in All New Franchises; 32 Separate Bids Made for Routes in Queens; Green Line Offers 15 Per Cent for Entire Borough|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201934%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201934%2520-%25201944.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=April 6, 1934|page=9}}

The Q21 began service in 1923. In 1926, it became a route of the Queens Auto Traction Corporation, running between Jamaica Avenue, at the Woodhaven Boulevard station of the BMT Jamaica Line, and Beach 95th Street, at the foot of the bridge from Broad Channel.{{cite news|title=Delegations fight Auto Traction Corp. Bus Line Request|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201926%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201926%2520-%25200519.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=The Daily Star|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=February 16, 1926|page=2}} By the early 1930s, the Q21 became a franchise of Green Bus Lines, and was extended to Rockaway Park.{{cite news|title=Bids For Bus Route: City Receives from the City Bus Corporation|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201926%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201926%2520-%25205049.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=November 5, 1931|page=1}} In 1934, the Q21A franchise between East New York and the Rockaways was awarded to Green Lines. On June 15, 1936, the Q21B began service between Brooklyn and Riis Park. That year, Green Lines took over the operations of Liberty Bus, and the borough's bus system was divided into four lettered "zones", with each zone being served exclusively by one bus company.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/52705553/?terms=queens%2Bbus%2Bzone|title=Bus Franchises For Queens Are Granted by City: 12-Year Old Problem Is Solved by Action of Board of Estimate|date=September 24, 1936|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=January 1, 2016}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&pg=PA270|title=The Wheels That Drove New York: A History of the New York City Transit System|last1=Roess|first1=Roger P.|last2=Sansone|first2=Gene|date=August 23, 2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=9783642304842|pages=270|language=en}} Green Lines was awarded the rights to all of "Zone C" in southern Queens, which included Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Howard Beach, and the Rockaways.{{cite news|title=Bus Routes Changed By Zone Plan; Some Riders to be Forced to Transfer; Committee Takes Corona Line From North Shore, Gives It to Tri-Boro|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25200945.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Long Island Daily Press (Long Island Sunday Press)|agency=Fultonhistory.com|issue=316|date=January 12, 1936|page=4}} Following the summer season, the Q21B continued operating until November 1936 when it was discontinued due to lack of profitability.{{cite news |title=Bus Officials Say They Discontinued Service From New Lots Ave. To Riis Park Because "It Failed To Show A Profit" |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201935-1936%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201935-1936%2520-%25200852.pdf |access-date=August 24, 2018 |work=Wave of Long Island |agency=Fultonhistory.com |date=December 3, 1936 |page=1}}

The Q11 began operations under Green Lines on November 15, 1936.{{cite news|title=Local Bus Route Taken Over By New Operator|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201935-1936%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201935-1936%2520-%25200819.pdf|access-date=January 10, 2016|publisher=The Leader-Observer|date=November 19, 1936|page=8}} By January 1937, residents of the western Rockaways (at the time called the "West End") petitioned Green Lines for several extensions of service. This included the restoration of the Q21B route, and the extension of the normal Q21 route west from Beach 116th Street to Beach 149th Street via Newport Avenue.{{cite news |title=Bus Company Fails To Answer Civic Club's Suggestions: Only One of Several Suggestions Laid Before Company Secretary Has Been Recognized; Rockaway Civic Club of West End Prepares for Action |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201937-1938%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201937-1938%2520-%25200017.pdf |access-date=July 25, 2018 |work=Wave of Long Island |agency=Fultonhistory.com |date=January 21, 1937 |page=1}} When the Marine Parkway Bridge between Brooklyn and the western Rockaways was opened in June 1937, the Q21B was replaced with the {{NYC bus link|Q35}}.{{cite news|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/03/archives/rockaway-bus-line-extends-service-operation-to-start-today-over.html|title=Rockaway Bus Line Extends Service; Operation to Start Today Over Bridge to Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues|date=July 3, 1937|page=17|access-date=April 6, 2022}} In 1948, Green Lines applied for an extension of the Q21A to the Euclid Avenue subway station which opened that November; this was rejected by the New York City Board of Transportation in December.{{cite news|title=Hits Extension Ban For Green Buses: Commerce Chamber Raps Transit Board Decision On Euclid Avenue Route|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201948%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201948%2520-%25200663.pdf|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=December 23, 1948|page=8}} However, the rerouting to Euclid Avenue station did occur, and the route ran along Pitkin Avenue between Euclid Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard until its discontinuation.{{cite journal|title=Green Bus Lines|date=October–December 2000|publisher=Motor Coach Age|journal=Motor Coach Today}}

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Image:Uniontpkewdhvnjeh.JPG

On May 8, 1950, a major fire occurred on the wooden trestle of the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch over Jamaica Bay, ending direct rail service to the Rockaway peninsula.{{cite web|title=L.I.R.R. Proposes Junking Trestle Ruined by Fire|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53870238/?terms=rockaway%2Bfire|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=September 22, 2015|page=4|date=May 31, 1950}}{{Cite Routes Not Taken}}{{rp|239–240}} On June 25, Triboro Coach, which was owned by Green Lines' shareholders, began operating replacement bus service from the Woodside LIRR station to Rockaway Park on a temporary grant from the city.{{cite news|title=New Bus Service: Off For Rockaway!|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201950%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201950%2520-%25200357.pdf|access-date=January 10, 2016|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=June 29, 1950|page=4}}{{cite news|title=Triboro To Cut Its Service At Rockaway Park Jan. 1st: Buses Every Hour, Instead of Every Half-Hour During Rush Period; Daytime Headway, Two Hours; Lack OF Patronage Is The Reason|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201950%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201950%2520-%25200738.pdf|access-date=January 10, 2016|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|date=December 28, 1950|page=1}} The Q53 officially began service on June 28, 1956,{{Cite web|title = NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ROUTES|url = https://www.chicagorailfan.com/bcnyqrte.html|website = www.chicagorailfan.com|access-date = December 31, 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160111113044/http://www.chicagorailfan.com/nycdateq.html|archive-date = January 11, 2016|df = mdy-all}} two days after IND Rockaway Line service commenced on the parallel Rockaway Beach Branch.{{cite web|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/06/28/84703811.pdf|title=Rockaway Trains to Operate Today|date=June 28, 1956|website=The New York Times|last1=Freeman|first1=Ira Henry|access-date=June 29, 2015}}{{cite news|title=First Train On Rockaway Line Runs This Afternoon|date=June 28, 1956|work=Wave of Long Island|agency=Fultonhistory.com|pages=[http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201956%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201956%2520-%25200350.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F43c772ea5053ba7a2fe1850240ed52cd#page=1 1], [http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201956%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201956%2520-%25200355.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F6b6ee609a1895c1f89ff0c622e5b3813#page=1 6]}}{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201955-1957%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201955-1957%2520-%25200650.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F8150b004ade0565d32aa4d88b21d2892#page=1|title=TA's New Line To Rockaways Begins Today: Fifty Piece Band To Play as Special Train Makes First Run|date=June 28, 1956|work=The Leader-Observer|agency=Fultonhistory.com|page=1|access-date=August 16, 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201956-1957%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201956-1957%2520-%25200241.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F147cd4c4e78bb11637387bbb8e8e3a06#page=1|title=To Rockaways: Beach Trains In Operation|date=June 29, 1956|work=Greenpoint Weekly Star|agency=Fultonhistory.com|page=2|access-date=August 16, 2016}} It later gained popularity as a route from mainland Queens to Rockaway Beach and Rockaways' Playland during summer months, as did the Q21 and Q21A.{{cite web|title=Asks Transit Action For The Rockaways: Quick Transportation Facilities Urgently Needed, Points Out Harold C. Samuels|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/08/04/93773865.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=August 4, 1935}}

On January 9, 2006, the MTA Bus Company took over the operations of the Green Lines routes as part of the city's takeover of all the remaining privately operated bus routes. On February 20, 2006, the city took over the operations of Triboro Coach.{{cite web|last1=Lueck|first1=Thomas J.|title=City to Buy Private Bus Company for Service in Three Boroughs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/23/nyregion/city-to-buy-private-bus-company-for-service-in-three-boroughs.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2015|date=April 23, 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529192802/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/23/nyregion/city-to-buy-private-bus-company-for-service-in-three-boroughs.html|archive-date=May 29, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Silverman|first1=Norman|title=The Merger of 7 Private Bus Companies into MTA Bus|url=http://www.apta.com/mc/multimodal/previous/2010/Presentations/The-Merger-of-Seven-Private-Companies-into-One-MTA-Company.pdf|website=apta.com|publisher=American Public Transportation Association, Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=October 16, 2015|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|date=July 26, 2010}}{{rp|4}}{{Cite web|title = Mayor Bloomberg Announces MTA Takeover of Green Bus Lines|url = http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/010-06/mayor-bloomberg-mta-takeover-green-bus-lines|website = The official website of the City of New York|date = January 8, 2006|access-date = December 31, 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304212931/http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/010-06/mayor-bloomberg-mta-takeover-green-bus-lines|archive-date = March 4, 2016|df = mdy-all}} Shortly after the takeover, in April 2006, the Q53 nonstop express was converted to a standard limited-stop service, with the MTA adding six stops along Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards. In January 2007, the Q53 was routed away from the 63rd Drive subway station, running the entire length of Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards.{{cite web|last1=Goldman|first1=Sam|title=Community Board 6 Hears Of Traffic Pattern Changes: Residents Wary Of Rego Pk. Mall Work|url=http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2006/Oct.-Dec.2006/122106/NewFiles/BOARD-6.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101075856/http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2006/Oct.-Dec.2006/122106/NewFiles/BOARD-6.html|archive-date=January 1, 2016|url-status=dead|publisher=Times Newsweekly|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=December 13, 2006}}{{cite web|last1=Pozarycki|first1=Robert|title=New Paths, More Stops For Numerous Area Bus Routes: MTA May Move Q54 Near Atlas Park|url=http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2007/Jan.-Mar.2007/020807/NewFiles/BOARD-5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309142119/http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2007/Jan.-Mar.2007/020807/NewFiles/BOARD-5.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|url-status=dead|publisher=Times Newsweekly|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=February 8, 2007}} On August 31, 2008, the Q21 was extended north along Woodhaven Boulevard.{{rp|46 (PDF p.48)}} These service changes led to an increase in ridership along the corridor.{{rp|46 (PDF p.48)}}{{rp|49 (PDF p.51)}} Due to the shift in ridership patterns, late night service on the Q11 after midnight was truncated to Pitkin Avenue on September 12, 2010. Q21 service was also adjusted to run for longer during the evenings.

File:MTA Hoffman Drive 06.JPG

On January 8, 2012, the Q21 was rerouted from Rockaway Park to Arverne near the Beach 67th Street station, to serve the growing "Arverne by the Sea" urban renewal development. A limited-stop branch of the Q21 was also created, running during weekday rush hours and bypassing the Lindenwood section of the route.{{rp|51–52 (PDF p.53–54)}}{{cite web|title=Planned Service Changes: Q21 Rerouted to Arverne and Introduction of Weekday Peak Period Limited-Stop Service|url=http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Q21.htm|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713053106/http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/servChanges_Q21.htm|archive-date=July 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} On July 1 of that year, several major changes took place along the corridor. The Q21 Limited was converted into the Q52 Limited and expanded to seven days a week, while the Q21 local was truncated to Howard Beach.{{rp|50 (PDF p.52)}} Overnight service on the Q11 to Hamilton Beach after 10:00 PM was eliminated. In addition, two additional limited stops for the Q52 and Q53 were added along Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, closing a gap in service previously filled by the Q21.{{rp|47 (PDF p.49)}}

For a short period of time after Hurricane Sandy in late 2012 and 2013, additional service was provided on the Q52 route. Several {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=on}} articulated buses, utilized on the {{NYC bus link|Q10}}, were temporarily transferred for use on the Q52 route.{{cite news|url=http://www.ny1.com/content/transit/173119/rockaway-residents-frustrated-with-crowded-buses--longer-travel-times|title=Rockaway Residents Frustrated With Crowded Buses (Q52/Q53), Longer Travel Times|last=Redwine|first=Tina|date=November 2010|work=New York 1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204024517/http://www.ny1.com/content/transit/173119/rockaway-residents-frustrated-with-crowded-buses--longer-travel-times|archive-date=December 4, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=August 6, 2016}} Some articulated buses were still running on the Q52 {{As of|2014|lc=yes}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/south/cb-still-does-not-like-q-artic-buses/article_44728e1d-ce3f-5987-aba3-d9c6165c866c.html|title=CB 9 still does not like Q10 artic buses: Residents, businesses say parking is an issue, but some commuters are happy|date=February 20, 2014|work=Queens Chronicle|last1=Rafter|first1=Domenick|access-date=March 9, 2016}} On September 8, 2013, overnight service was added to the Q53 due to increasing ridership on the route.{{cite web|url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/south/overnight-service-coming-to-q/image_0c93cdd6-9b09-57d7-a646-0d6bc33518c6.html|title=Overnight service coming to Q53 1|date=July 18, 2013|publisher=Queens Chronicle|last1=Rafter|first1=Domenick|access-date=January 1, 2016}} On April 9, 2017, the Q52 was extended from Beach 69th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard to Beach 54th Street and Beach Channel Drive in Edgemere to better serve housing in both Arverne and Edgemere.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/q52-route-be-extended-further-east-rockaways|title=Q52 Route to be Extended Further East in the Rockaways|date=February 8, 2017|website=www.mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410215457/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/q52-route-be-extended-further-east-rockaways|archive-date=April 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 10, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/planned_servChanges_Q52LTD.htm|title=New route extension to Beach 54 St in Arverne|date=April 9, 2017|website=web.mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410214802/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/planned_servChanges_Q52LTD.htm|archive-date=April 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 10, 2017}}

File:Cross Bay Bl Linden Bl td 02.jpg

File:MTA Bus Company New Flyer Xcelsior XD60 6234.jpg

In 2004, the Woodhaven-Cross Bay corridor was one of twelve Queens bus corridors studied under the city's bus rapid transit (BRT) study, which was meant to determine the feasibility of having dedicated lanes and rebuilt stops to speed up service on BRT corridors.{{cite web|title=Bus Rapid Transit: NYCBRT Study|url=http://www.mta.info/mta/planning/brt/brt_presentation.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Department of Transportation, New York State Department of Transportation|access-date=February 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050512082953/http://www.mta.info/mta/planning/brt/brt_presentation.pdf|archive-date=May 12, 2005|url-status=dead|date=2004}}{{rp|36–37}} Beginning on January 4, 2008, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) conducted an 18-month study on Woodhaven Boulevard as part of the city's Congested Corridors Project to improve congested and dangerous roadways. One of the short-term recommendations of the study was to implement bus rapid transit along the corridor.{{cite web|title=Congested Corridors Congested Corridors Project Project Woodhaven Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens Queens Boulevard to Liberty Avenue Boulevard to Liberty Avenue|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/woodhavenproject_sept09.pdf|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation, Urbitran Associates, Inc|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=September 24, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304142229/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/woodhavenproject_sept09.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{rp|35}}{{cite web|last1=Pozarycki|first1=Robert|title=WOE-HAVEN BOULEVARD: Residents Sound Off On Roadway's Congestion Issues At DOT Hearing|url=http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2008/Apr.-Jun.2008/052208/NewFiles/BOULEVARD.html|publisher=Times Newsweekly|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=May 22, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919002944/http://www.timesnewsweekly.com/sites/www.timesnewsweekly.com/files/archives/Archives2008/Apr.-Jun.2008/052208/NewFiles/BOULEVARD.html|archive-date=September 19, 2015}} In June 2010, the Woodhaven-Cross Bay corridor was added to the list of potential corridors for Phase II of Select Bus Service (SBS), the MTA's brand of BRT service.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/html/routes/woodhaven.shtml|title=Woodhaven-Cross Bay Boulevards Select Bus Service|date=April 23, 2014|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|access-date=April 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428094731/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/html/routes/woodhaven.shtml|archive-date=April 28, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/woodhavencrossbay.html|title=Woodhaven-Cross Bay Boulevards Select Bus Service|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 16, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215110110/http://web.mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/woodhavencrossbay.html|archive-date=December 15, 2015}}{{cite web|title=BUS RAPID TRANSIT PHASE II: Future Corridors|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/brt_future_corridors.pdf|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304211613/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/brt_future_corridors.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{rp|4}}{{cite web|title=Introduction to BUS RAPID TRANSIT PHASE II|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/docs/intro_to_brt_phase2.pdf|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority|date=2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024528/http://web.mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/docs/intro_to_brt_phase2.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{rp|28–29 (PDF p.36–37)}}

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| caption2 = NYCDOT workers install new bus stop signs in November 2017.

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| caption3 = SBS ticket machines being installed at Broadway/78th Street, Queens, in November 2017

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Preliminary designs began in 2013{{cite web|url=http://queens.brownstoner.com/2014/02/city-planning-underway-for-select-bus-service-on-woodhaven-boulevard |title=City Planning Underway for Select Bus Service on Woodhaven Boulevard | Brownstoner Queens |publisher=Queens.brownstoner.com |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2014}} and were released in March 2014.{{cite web|last1=Honan|first1=Katie|title=City Unveils Plans for Longest Select Bus Route in Queens|url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150324/elmhurst/city-unveils-plans-for-longest-select-bus-route-queens|publisher=DNAinfo.com|access-date=December 16, 2015|location=Elmhurst, Queens|date=March 24, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216192943/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150324/elmhurst/city-unveils-plans-for-longest-select-bus-route-queens|archive-date=December 16, 2015}} The first dedicated MTA bus lanes were installed in August 2015, on the north end of Woodhaven Boulevard between Dry Harbor Road and Metropolitan Avenue.{{rp|4}} At this time, the Q52 and Q53 SBS routes were scheduled to begin service in fall 2017, with the remaining bus lanes and street improvements to be implemented in stages afterwards.{{rp|14}} In September 2017, the NYCDOT announced that the segment of Woodhaven Boulevard between Union Turnpike and 81st Road would also get dedicated bus lanes. As part of that segment's bus lane implementation, the NYCDOT would remove the medians separating service-road and main-road traffic in each direction, as well as expand the median separating the two directions of traffic.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/brt-woodhaven-crossbay-blvd-sept-flyer.pdf|title=What's Happening Here?|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|date=September 2017|access-date=September 6, 2017}}

The Q52 and Q53 were slowly converted to articulated buses beginning in October 2017, before SBS was implemented on the corridor on November 12.{{Cite web|url=http://qns.com/story/2017/09/26/two-limited-stop-bus-lines-along-woodhaven-cross-bay-boulevards-will-become-select-bus-routes/|title='Select Bus Service' coming to Woodhaven & Cross Bay Boulevards this November|last=Giudice|first=Anthony|date=September 26, 2017|website=Ridgewood Times|language=en-US|access-date=September 27, 2017}} In the Rockaways and in Broad Channel, due to less dense land uses, and due to lower utilization of stops, several existing Q52 and Q53 stops were consolidated or discontinued. {{NYC bus link|Q22}} local service continued to serve the stops in the Rockaways, while the low volume stops at Cross Bay Boulevard and 5th Road were discontinued. A new stop at Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 84th Street replaced stops at Beach 81st Street and Beach 86th Street on the Q52. In Broad Channel two stops were relocated: the northbound stop at Cross Bay Boulevard and East 9th Road was moved north to Noel Road to be symmetrical with the southbound stop, and the southbound stop at West 15th Road was moved south to West 17th Road to be symmetrical with the northbound stop, and to be adjacent to a crosswalk. Stops on Woodhaven Boulevard were modified as well: the stop at Atlantic Avenue was moved north to 91st Avenue, allowing Q52 and Q53 service to travel on the overpass over Atlantic Avenue using the bus lane, as opposed to using the slow service road. Two SBS stops were added–at 101st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, and at Pitkin Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard–to provide transfers to the {{NYC bus link|Q8}} and Q11, respectively. Stations on Woodhaven Boulevard at Jamaica Avenue, 91st Avenue and 101st Avenue, and at Cross Bay Boulevard at Liberty Avenue (northbound) and Rockaway Boulevard (southbound) are new stations that were built in the median by the NYCDOT.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/170925_1030_Transit.pdf|title=Transit & Bus Committee Meeting September 2017|date=September 25, 2017|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|pages=217–224|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928055941/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/170925_1030_Transit.pdf|url-status=dead}}

File:Rockaway Blvd IND Fulton 89 - Cross Bay Theater.jpg

Q11 and Q21 service on Woodhaven Boulevard were modified in conjunction with the implementation of SBS. The bus stops at 63rd Avenue and 64th Road in both directions, and the northbound stop at 67th Drive were discontinued in order to even out the spacing of bus stops. The southbound stop at 68th Avenue was moved to Yellowstone Boulevard to be near a crosswalk, the Park Lane South stops was moved to 85th Road, and the southbound Doxey Place stop was moved to Gold Road.

The implementation of SBS on the Woodhaven/Cross Bay corridor has been supported by transit advocates and bus riders, particularly those in the Rockaways.{{cite news|last1=Rom|first1=Gabriel|title=Consensus elusive over proposed Woodhaven SBS|url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2015/35/sbspushback_2015_08_28_q.html|access-date=April 11, 2017|work=TimesLedger|date=August 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411140148/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2015/35/sbspushback_2015_08_28_q.html|archive-date=April 11, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Honan|first1=Katie|title=New Select Bus Service Route Plan Gets Thumbs-Up From Rockaway Board|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170111/rockaway-beach/rockaway-beach-woodhaven-boulevard-select-bus-service-q52-q53|access-date=April 11, 2017|work=DNAinfo.com|date=January 11, 2017|location=Rockaway Beach, Queens|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411140746/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170111/rockaway-beach/rockaway-beach-woodhaven-boulevard-select-bus-service-q52-q53|archive-date=April 11, 2017}} However, many residents of the communities north of the Rockaways, particularly car users and business owners, have opposed the Select Bus Service project. Much of the opposition has been due to the implementation of bus lanes down the center of the boulevard, which could cause increased traffic congestion. The plan in April 2015 would have prohibited left-turns at twelve intersections.{{rp|12}}

In January 2016, City Council Member Eric Ulrich, a Republican representing Ozone Park, came out against the plan as among other things, it prohibited left turns at Jamaica Avenue. He had been in favor of bus rapid transit along Woodhaven Boulevard, as he stated in a 2014 opinion editorial. The plan was modified in May 2016 in an effort to accommodate Ulrich's objections. It included restrictions on left-turns at only five intersections, including none at Jamaica Avenue.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/brt-woodhaven-may2016.pdf|title=Woodhaven/Cross Bay Boulevards Community Advisory Committee Meeting #6|date=May 10, 2016|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717214508/http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/downloads/pdf/brt-woodhaven-may2016.pdf|archive-date=July 17, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=April 10, 2017}}{{rp|12}} The left-turn restrictions were put into the plan to speed up travel times by eliminating the signal time allocated to split phasing—a traffic-signal setup where traffic in one direction has a green light, while the other directions of traffic have a red light, in order to allow drivers at the green light to turn left without conflicts from oncoming traffic. The restrictions also reduce conflicts between turning vehicles and pedestrians. Instead of banning left turns at Jamaica Avenue, the left turn bays would be re-engineered around the BMT Jamaica Line subway columns to decrease blind spots and collisions.{{Cite web|url=http://nyc.streetsblog.org/2016/05/16/ulrich-back-on-board-with-woodhaven-sbs-after-dot-waters-down-turn-bans/|title=Ulrich Back on Board With Woodhaven SBS After DOT Waters Down Turn Bans|last=Meyer|first=David|date=May 16, 2016|website=Streetsblog New York City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410220817/http://nyc.streetsblog.org/2016/05/16/ulrich-back-on-board-with-woodhaven-sbs-after-dot-waters-down-turn-bans/|archive-date=April 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 10, 2017}} Local community members were also opposed to the plan due to the reduction of traffic lanes along the boulevard's service roads from two lanes to a single lane.{{Cite news|url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/striking-back-at-dot-s-s-bs-plan/article_3717e3c0-2447-5e87-9827-beb589ff4478.html|title=Striking back at DOT's (S)BS plan|work=Queens Chronicle|access-date=April 10, 2017}}

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}}{{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}} As part of the redesign, the Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards corridor would have contained a "high-density" route, the QT52 (following the Q52 SBS), with the Q53 being discontinued. The Q11 and Q21 would have been rearranged into two "neighborhood" routes, but with a different arrangement. The QT83 would have made local stops on Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards, while the QT88A/B would have combined the branches of the Q11 and Q21.{{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}} The redesign was 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}} and the original 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}}

A revised 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}} As part of the new plan, the Q11 would be shortened, running from Howard Beach/Hamilton Beach to the Rockaway Boulevard station, would not serve the Woodhaven/Cross Bay corridor at all and have overnight service eliminated. The Q21 would be extended north in Elmhurst to the 82nd Street–Jackson Heights station, replacing the Q29 bus, which would be discontinued; in Howard Beach, the Q21 would run along 84th Street instead of Cross Bay Boulevard. The Q21 would also gain overnight service. The Q52 SBS and Q53 SBS would both be preserved, but both would terminate at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street instead (representing an extension of the Q52 SBS and a truncation of the Q53 SBS), have a stop added at Eliot Avenue (southbound Q53 SBS would skip this stop) and some of their bus stops would be moved to be realigned closer to major cross streets.{{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}}

A final bus-redesign plan 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 final plan called for the Q21 to be eliminated; the Q11 would be rerouted in Lindenwood to serve several former Q21 stops, and frequencies on the Q11 would be increased to match the former combined frequency of the Q11 and the Q21. The Q52 and Q53 would not be modified at all.{{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}}

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}} Among these, stop changes were made to the Q11 and the Q52 SBS will serve more of Edgemere, terminating at Beach 50th Street. The new stop in the Elmhurst direction will only be available to OMNY riders.{{cite web|title=Queens Bus Network Redesign Proposed Final Plan Addendum|url=https://new.mta.info/document/160201|access-date=December 17, 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=January 29, 2025|access-date=January 29, 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=February 20, 2025|access-date=February 22, 2025}} Both routes are part of Phase II, which begins on August 31, 2025, the same day as the Q21's cancellation.{{cite web|title=Q11 Local|url=https://www.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign/routes/q11-local|publisher=MTA|access-date=May 26, 2025}}{{cite web|title=Q52-SBS|url=https://www.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign/routes/q52-select-bus|publisher=MTA|access-date=May 26, 2025}}

The 1977 song "Rockaway Beach" by Forest Hills-based band the Ramones references the bus ride to the Rockaways. It includes the lines:

{{blockquote|

Bus ride is too slow

they blast out the disco on the radio

}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist|30em}}

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

{{Commons category multi |Q11 (New York City bus)|Q21 (New York City bus)|Q52 (New York City bus)|Q53 (New York City bus)}}

• [http://web.mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/woodhavencrossbay.html Woodhaven-Cross Bay Boulevards Select Bus Service] − mta.info
• [http://www.nyc.gov/html/brt/html/routes/woodhaven.shtml Woodhaven-Cross Bay Boulevards Select Bus Service] − NYCDOT

{{Queens bus routes}}

{{Select Bus Service}}

Q011

Category:Transportation in Rockaway, Queens

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