For many Jamaica, Queens, commuters, the first and last stop of their daily ride has reached the end of the line. On Sunday, the MTA relocated 15 bus routes in Jamaica, Queens as the 165th Street/Jamaica Bus Terminal permanently closes.
The buses shifted a few blocks east to the brand-new 168th Street Interim Bus Terminal, closer to the 169 St F subway station.
What’s behind the move? The old 165th Street stop is being redeveloped. Once developers rebuild the original terminal site – which has been around since 1938 — buses will return to that site. MTA officials say starting June 1 lets people adjust in warmer months rather than in the winter.
These are the bus routes moving to the new terminal:
- MTA buses: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q36, Q41, Q76, Q77
- Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses: n1, n6/n6X, n22/n22X, n24, n26
The MTA recently held a public forum on the move, featuring:
- Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and staff,
- MTA Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations Lucille K. Songhai, and
- Don Raimondi, General Manager of Strategic Priorities, NYCT Buses (MTA)
Epicenter NYC joined the meeting to ask more about the transition and listen to our neighbors’ own questions and concerns about the Jamaica Bus Terminal. Here are a few of the MTA officials’ statements and responses, lightly edited and condensed.
How will the MTA make sure riders know about the move?
According to Raimondi … A notice about the move has been up since the start of May. Over the weekend, MTA staff (also known as “customer ambassadors”) handed out flyers and were stationed at both terminal sites to answer questions and give directions to the new terminal. The department also posted trailblazer signs with these directions.
Where exactly is the temporary bus terminal located?
It’s bounded by 168th Street (west), 169th Street (east), 90th Avenue (north), and 91st Avenue (south).
Besides the location, what’s different about the new terminal?
Songhai: With the tactile strips shown in the photos, this terminal offers benefits the current one doesn’t—seating, lighting. The [old] terminal has limited lighting and can get dark. That won’t be an issue now.
The bus terminal we are vacating June 1 was around 51,000 square feet. It was tight. Operators had to back up. The interim terminal is 85,000 square feet. It’s bigger, so buses can circulate more easily. There are safety walking paths for customers. In the future, the current terminal will be about 75,000 square feet.
Raimondi: Right, we will no longer have buses backing up. For safety, we will continue to operate flaggers and dispatchers to guide customers and buses, along with customer ambassadors.
We’ve allotted space for NYPD parking, which has been a concern, along with existing parking for our dispatchers, dispatch booth, and bus operators. There will also be a swing room across the street where the DMV and Marshalls are located — it’s a brand-new facility with bathrooms for bus operators.
What about public restrooms — will any be added and how safe will they be to use?
Raimondi: Unfortunately, there will not be any public restrooms at this facility. I believe the existing location does not offer that either.
What about parking for everyone who’s not NYPD or MTA?
Songhai: We’ve gotten questions about commercial businesses on Jamaica Avenue and their customers having parking options within walking distance of 168 Street. We’ve listed about five public lots within walking distance to Jamaica Avenue. Commercial businesses on 91st Avenue like Raymour & Flanigan, Marshalls, and other smaller businesses will still have access for deliveries and drop-off. That will not change.
Is that why the commercial businesses on 160th Street aren’t open—because of the new bus terminal construction?
Songhai: Not just the future bus terminal, but the redevelopment of that space. The developer is handling that, and we’re only involved regarding the depot. You’d have to ask them directly about their plans for the businesses.
How will you ensure the interim terminal is safe?
Songhai: We’ll have MTA flaggers helping guide bus traffic at the 168th and 169th Street entrances. We’re working to place concrete planters on surrounding streets to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the sidewalk and give greater pedestrian access, including for customers using mobility devices. One of our staff members who uses a mobility device came to the site and was able to maneuver.
How would the traffic pattern on 168th Street change for cars?
Songhai: In our traffic evaluation, DOT made a couple of light adjustments, but they do not anticipate a large impact to traffic on 168th Street. Once bus traffic starts moving, we and our partners at DOT will evaluate it. If adjustments are needed, everyone is on top of making sure changes happen.
Will there be surveillance cameras if security isn’t present?
Raimondi: Yes. NYPD across the street has cameras that overlook the facility.
Songhai: We’re in contact with NYPD and can review footage as needed. Their vehicles will be parked there, which increases their presence and boosts safety.
Did the MTA lose its lease at the 165th Street Terminal?
Songhai: No, we did not lose our lease. That terminal was owned by a private family who sold it in 2021. Since then, we’ve been in negotiations with the new owner to stay in the area and ensure our bus operations continue without disruption.
When will the original bus terminal reopen?
Songhai: We don’t have an exact date. Our lease at the interim terminal is up to 10 years. Hopefully, we won’t need the full term, but it’s in place to ensure continuity of service. We hope the developer begins construction, which will include a new terminal at ground level, within a reasonable time.
What is the timetable for seeing renderings or plans for the new 165th Street terminal?
Songhai: We don’t have a timetable to share yet. Once we do, we’ll go through our public channels like the community board.
Could you explain the difference between this project and the Queens Bus Redesign?
Songhai: The Queens Bus Network Redesign is a complete overhaul of the borough’s bus network, including routes and bus stops. The redesign will be implemented in two phases: June 29 and August 30. This interim terminal project starts June 1. We wanted to give customers time to adjust to the new terminal before the route changes begin.
Will this terminal support articulated buses, i.e. those joined by a slinky in the middle allowing them to bend at turns?
Raimondi: Yes, the terminal is capable of handling articulated buses. That was part of the planning.
Will the MTA update signage for the Queens Bus Redesign since some buses will only be there temporarily?
Raimondi: Only one bus route changes with the redesign: the Q1. It becomes a rush route on Hillside. We’ll bring the Q82 into the terminal. All other routes remain the same.
Will there be countdown clocks or real-time signage in the terminal?
Raimondi: No, because it’s a temporary terminal. But MTA Bus Time will work on phones and be updated for the new location.
Will QR codes display bus times at the terminal?
Raimondi: No physical displays, but QR codes will still work for real-time info via Bus Time and MTA alerts. Those systems will be updated when routes change.
Will there be audio announcements or alerts for visually impaired riders?
Raimondi: We’ll have dispatchers and flaggers on site to assist. There are also apps available for people with visual or hearing disabilities through the MTA App Store.
What concerns have you heard most from the community during outreach?Songhai:
Access into the space, traffic, pedestrian access on 168th and 90th/91st Avenues—especially with cars parked illegally on sidewalks. Also concerns about noise and lighting. We’re balancing safety with lighting that won’t disturb nearby residences. People also want amenities like seating; we’ve added some. For workers, we’ve included a swing space for breaks and restrooms, which was very important to us.
This post has been updated.
What will the new development look like