Congestion Pricing Funds NYC Bus Upgrades, Promising Shorter Waits and Smoother Rides

New York City’s public transit system is getting a significant upgrade. Starting June 29, 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will increase bus service on 16 local routes across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The move, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, builds on earlier enhancements to eight express bus lines and aims to cut commute times, reduce wait times at stops, and make daily travel more reliable for thousands of residents. For a city where millions depend on buses to reach jobs, schools, and essential services, the changes signal a renewed focus on improving urban mobility.

The initiative comes at a time when New Yorkers are grappling with crowded buses and unpredictable schedules, particularly in neighborhoods far from subway lines. By targeting high-ridership routes, the MTA seeks to address long-standing complaints about infrequent service and lengthy commutes. But the plan is about more than just convenience. It’s part of a broader effort to make public transit more equitable, ensuring that communities historically underserved by transportation infrastructure aren’t left behind.

Buses are a lifeline for many New Yorkers, especially in areas where subway stations are scarce. Routes like the Bx10 in the Bronx, the Q66 in Queens, and the S79 in Staten Island serve neighborhoods where driving isn’t always an option, and walking to a train can take half an hour or more. The MTA’s decision to boost service on these lines responds to growing demand, with ridership on some routes surging since the city introduced congestion pricing in January 2025. That policy, which charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan’s core during peak hours, has already reduced traffic by 13% and nudged more commuters toward public transit.

Data backs up the need for these changes. In 2024, MTA buses carried over 800,000 daily riders in Queens alone, and systemwide ridership grew by 17.3% from 2022 to 2023. By adding more buses and increasing frequency, the MTA expects to shave minutes off trips and ease overcrowding. For example, the B103 in Brooklyn, a vital link between Canarsie and Downtown, will see more frequent service, potentially saving riders time on commutes that can stretch over an hour. Similar gains are expected on routes like the Q43 in Queens, which connects Jamaica to Floral Park.

The $8 million for these service enhancements comes from the Outer Borough Transportation Account, a fund established by state lawmakers in 2018 to improve transit outside Manhattan. But the broader context is congestion pricing, which is projected to generate $15 billion for transit upgrades. Most of that revenue will modernize subways and expand bus fleets, including adding electric buses and improving accessibility. The link between congestion pricing and better buses isn’t just financial. By reducing car traffic, the policy has made bus routes faster and more reliable, with commute times across key crossings already down by up to 48%.

Not everyone agrees on congestion pricing’s merits. Some drivers, particularly from neighboring areas, argue the tolls add financial strain, though data shows most low-income residents rely on transit rather than cars to enter Manhattan. Supporters, including environmental groups and business leaders, counter that the policy cuts emissions, improves air quality, and funds critical infrastructure. The debate reflects a tension between individual costs and collective benefits, but for now, the revenue is driving tangible improvements like these bus service upgrades.

A key goal of the MTA’s plan is to address inequities in transit access. Neighborhoods like Co-op City in the Bronx or Canarsie in Brooklyn often face longer commutes and less reliable service than Manhattan’s core. The enhanced routes target these “transit deserts,” where residents, including seniors and people with disabilities, depend heavily on buses. Community leaders have praised the move. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson noted that reliable transit connects people to jobs and healthcare, while Queens Borough President Donovan Richards emphasized the impact on families who need faster commutes.

Nationwide, transit agencies are prioritizing equity. In 2024, over $1 billion in federal grants supported projects to restore access in underserved areas. New York’s efforts align with this trend, but challenges remain. Historic disinvestment, rooted in policies that favored roads over transit, has left some communities with aging infrastructure and spotty service. Advocates argue that sustained investment, coupled with community input, is essential to close these gaps and ensure benefits reach those who need them most.

The MTA’s service enhancements are part of a larger vision. The Queens Bus Network Redesign, set to roll out alongside these changes, aims to overhaul routes for greater efficiency. Meanwhile, the agency is exploring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, which use dedicated lanes and signal priority to cut travel times by up to 25%, as seen in cities like Boston and Minneapolis. BRT could transform high-traffic corridors, but it requires significant investment and political will. For now, the focus is on incremental gains: more buses, shorter waits, and smoother rides.

Elected officials across the city have voiced strong support. Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz highlighted the Bx10’s role in connecting Riverdale to Norwood, while Assemblymember Charles Fall called the S46 upgrades a win for Staten Island’s working families. But some riders remain skeptical, citing past promises of better service that fell short. The MTA will need to deliver consistent results to maintain public trust and prove that these investments can transform daily life.

New York’s bus service upgrades mark a practical step toward a more efficient, equitable transit system. By targeting high-demand routes and leveraging congestion pricing revenue, the MTA is addressing real-world needs: shorter commutes, less crowded buses, and better access for communities long overlooked. The changes won’t solve every problem—aging infrastructure and rising ridership will demand ongoing attention—but they offer a glimpse of what’s possible when transit is prioritized.

For New Yorkers waiting at bus stops in the Bronx or Queens, the impact could be immediate: a few extra minutes to grab coffee, see family, or get to work on time. As the city navigates growth and change, these investments remind us that transit isn’t just about moving people. It’s about building a city where everyone has a fair shot at getting where they need to go.