Q 103 map
Sept. 2, 2014 By Christian Murray
The MTA is likely to be offering weekend service on the bus that connects Long Island City with Astoria, via Vernon Blvd., on a permanent basis.
The expanded Q 103 service, which continues to operate on a trial basis, is expected to be available on weekends as part of its regular schedule. The MTA is also likely to extend its weekday hours.
The MTA in a statement today said that before the schedule is officially made final a public hearing needs to be scheduled. However, the MTA did state: “we have seen increased ridership along the route over the past couple of years to make the additions permanent.”
Sen. Mike Gianaris, who plans to advocate strongly for the changes at the upcoming public hearing, said that “at long last permanent weekend service and extended hours for the Q103 are in sight.”
Gianaris said that although the decision is not final, “the overwhelming support for this initiative from the community and local cultural institutions leaves me optimistic that the extended summer service will be made permanent when the MTA makes its decision.”
The Q103, prior to the trial period that began this summer, did not offer weekend service and weekday service ended at 6 pm.
Since summer, the Q103 bus route has run on weekends, where it has operated northbound from 8am to 8 pm and southbound from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. That schedule is likely to become permanent.
Meanwhile, on weekdays the Q103 is likely to operate northbound from 6:20 am to 9:30 pm and southbound from 5:40 am to 9 pm when the schedule is finalized.
The date of the public hearing is still being finalized. However, the MTA has until the end of the year to hold it.
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