Jul. 31, 2023 By Anthony Medina
Councilman Robert Holden says congestion pricing and the limited operating hours of two Glendale express busses are making it impossible for middle-class families living in the city.
In a letter shared on Thursday, July 27. with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman John Lieber, Holden urges the chair to extend the QM24 and QM34 express bus service to 10 p.m. every day instead of 7:20 p.m.
Holden argues the current schedule ends too early and limits working-class residents in his district who rely on public transportation as their primary means of travel. Holden also refers to his district as a “transportation desert,” with minimum nearby options for public transit.
“My working-class neighborhoods comprise cops, firefighters, sanitation workers, other municipal employees, and private sector workers who do not adhere to the traditional nine-to-five schedule.” Holden wrote. “Healthcare workers especially suffer since their twelve-hour shifts often do not align with the express busses’ schedules. I routinely hear from constituents who appreciate the express bus service but wish it ran more often and for longer hours.”
Holden also recommended a senior discount for older city residents, especially going to Manhattan, where healthcare options are more widely attended. If not, seniors are forced to pay $14 roundtrip for doctor visits.
Councilman Holden serves the neighborhoods of Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, and Woodside.