Elected Officials Urge MTA to Preserve Q11 Bus Service for Centerville Residents

In a joint effort to advocate for the needs of their constituents, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Councilwoman Joann Ariola have written a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) expressing their deep concern over the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 bus service through Centerville in the Queens Bus Redesign. It highlights the potential significant impact of the proposed service change on the lives of the residents in the Centerville section of Ozone Park.

The area affected by the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 service is home to approximately 3,500 residents, primarily residing in one- and two-family homes. The letter emphasizes the essential role the Q11 route plays as a lifeline for students, seniors, and working-class adults who rely on its services daily.

The elected officials underscore the potential consequences of ceasing the Q11 service, citing the increased walking distances residents would face to access a bus stop on Cross Bay Boulevard. They emphasize that the change would be particularly burdensome and potentially dangerous for those who have come to rely on the safety and convenience of having a bus stop near their doorstep.

Furthermore, the letter emphasizes the vital role the Q11 route plays in providing a sense of security during the earlier nightfall hours in the winter months and in mitigating the exposure of constituents to inclement weather for extended periods.

In addition, the elected officials cite numerous testimonies and complaints from residents who utilize the Q11 for short trips to Old Howard Beach. These trips often include visits to Our Lady of Grace church, local VFW meetings, or quick stops at the local butcher shop for groceries, activities that are integral to the community and facilitated by the Q11 service.

The letter makes it clear that the elected officials are not requesting any changes to the proposed route into New Howard Beach. However, they respectfully request that the MTA consider maintaining a double route system like the one currently in place. Specifically, they propose the continuation of the Q11A route for New Howard Beach and the establishment of the Q11B route for Centerville/Hamilton Beach.

By implementing this solution, the elected officials believe that the MTA can continue to provide vital transportation services to their constituents in Centerville while also adhering to the proposed route changes. This compromise will ensure that the needs of community members are met, and they can continue to enjoy the convenience and accessibility they have come to rely on.

The letter concludes with a request for an opportunity to discuss this matter further with the MTA and their team to explore potential solutions that will preserve the essential Q11 service for Centerville residents. The offices of the elected officials express willingness to collaborate in finding a resolution that best serves the community's transportation needs.

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said: "I stand with my colleagues in expressing our deep concern over the proposed discontinuation of the Q11 bus service through Centerville in the Queens Bus Redesign. The potential impact on the lives of the residents in the Centerville section of Ozone Park cannot be understated. The Q11 route serves as a lifeline for students, seniors, and working-class adults who rely on its services daily. The proposed change would create increased walking distances and potential safety concerns for our constituents, and we urge the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to carefully consider the vital role the Q11 route plays in our community." 

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato said: “It is absolutely unacceptable for the MTA Queens Bus re-design to eliminate service to an entire neighborhood. We need to expand bus access to improve the lives of people in our community, not eliminate it. The MTA must listen to the people of Centerville and reconfigure this map to meet their needs. I look forward to seeing the MTA go back to the drawing board.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola said: “This re-design should be making it easier for our residents to travel by bus. In reviewing the latest plans and speaking with locals, however, it seems clear that the re-design will have the opposite effect for the people of Centerville. I stand by my colleagues in government in requesting that the MTA establish a Q11B route, so that our constituents can continue utilizing the route that has become an important component in so many of their daily routines.”