ASTORIA — After massive subway and bus service cuts two years ago, Western Queens residents have been forced to deal with fewer transit options, making their commutes to work longer and more inconvenient, state Sen. Michael Gianaris says.
Now, following reports of MTA service restorations throughout the city, including a permanent extension of the G train, the pol wants to make sure that Queens will get its fair share as well.
On Monday, the Gianaris sent a letter to MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota requesting that the W train and QM22 express bus to be returned to service.
In 2010 — in order to close a vast budget gap — the MTA eliminated two subway lines, the W and the V, and 34 bus lines. Dozens of other bus routes were shortened.
Both the W line and the QM22 were among services that were eliminated.
“Recent transit cuts have been a burden on western Queens residents, who rely heavily on mass transit to get to and from work every day,” Gianaris said.
According to the Daily News report, the MTA is looking to restore services primarily in Brooklyn and in The Bronx.
“While it is nice to hear the MTA speak of restorations, service improvements must include Queens, which has suffered as much as any borough due to recent cutbacks,” Gianaris noted.
MTA officials said Tuesday morning they could not comment of the letter because they had not seen it yet.
They would also neither confirm nor deny that any of the service restorations would take place.
