Queens News Reports Outline New Transit Safety Advisory Board

By Raymond Holt, Transportation Reporter | October 17, 2026 | Local Government

NEW YORK — Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Janno Lieber announced the formation of a South Queens transit advisory panel on Tuesday, ABC7 New York confirmed. The initiative follows months of advocacy from local commuters seeking better representation in transit planning.

The newly formed board will focus on improving commuter safety and reducing travel times along major coastal corridors. Members will include local residents, business owners, and transit experts.

Transit Advisory Board Focuses on South Queens

The panel's primary focus will be evaluating pedestrian crossings and bus lane efficiency in historically underserved neighborhoods. Members will meet monthly at the NYPD 106th Precinct station house to review safety data.

Commuters huddled under the elevated A-train tracks at Liberty Avenue, clutching paper transit maps and discussing the proposed route changes on Tuesday afternoon. Many expressed optimism that the new board would address long-standing service gaps.

According to ABC7 New York, the board will have the authority to recommend infrastructure changes directly to the city's Department of Transportation. This direct line of communication is expected to speed up the implementation of safety upgrades.

Pedestrian Infrastructure Upgrades Receive Funding

The city has allocated five million dollars to fund immediate safety improvements along high-risk roadways. Planned upgrades include high-visibility crosswalks, countdown timers, and pedestrian refuge islands.

This funding comes as local safety advocates continue to push for structural changes. The effort aligns with the goals of the recently established local Queens news transit safety board, which is working to lower traffic-related injuries in the borough.

"We want to ensure that every pedestrian in Queens can cross the street without fear," City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers said on Tuesday. "This advisory board will help us target resources to the intersections that need them most."

Commuters Detail Long-Standing Transportation Gaps

South Queens residents have long endured some of the longest average commute times in the city. Limited subway access forces many to rely on bus routes that are frequently caught in traffic congestion.

Local business owners are hoping that improved transit access will bring more shoppers to the area. They argue that reliable bus service is crucial for the survival of commercial districts outside the main subway corridors.

According to public transit surveys, off-peak wait times for local buses can exceed thirty minutes. The new advisory panel plans to work with the MTA to increase service frequency during late-night and weekend hours.

Local Representatives Support New Safety Mandates

Several Queens elected officials have expressed strong support for the advisory board's mission. They believe that local input is essential for creating effective transportation policies.

State Senator James Sanders Jr. emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to transit safety. He urged residents to actively participate in the board's public forums and share their daily commuting experiences.

Transit planners are scheduled to present their initial safety assessments to the advisory board next month. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposals before any final decisions are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can residents apply to join the transit safety advisory board? Queens residents can submit applications through their local Community Board office or the MTA's community relations portal. Candidates will be selected based on their geographic location and community involvement.

What neighborhoods will the new transit board cover? The board's jurisdiction covers South Queens, including Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Ozone Park, and the Rockaway peninsula, where transit options are historically limited.

Will the board hold public meetings? Yes, the transit advisory board is required to hold bi-monthly public meetings where residents can voice concerns and suggest safety improvements. Meeting schedules will be published on the MTA's official website.