Officials Call For Increased Bus Service To Douglaston

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There's a new push to improve bus service in the Douglaston section of Queens.

Federal, state and city officials gathered at a bus stop at Douglaston Parkway and 65th Avenue on Monday to announce they would seek new funding for increased bus service to Douglaston.

"Today we are calling for an increase in a federal grant program that funds buses and bus stops," Rep. Steve Israel said, adding that the money could be used to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses as well as build more bus stops.

New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) also called for an increase in state funding to operate new bus lines – both local and express.

Officials said four out of the five bus routes currently servicing Douglaston have seen increased ridership in the past two years.

"When you have increased riders, you need more buses," Israel said.

Many commuters said they currently deal with long waits and crowded buses.

"It's horrible, every morning we have to wait like 30 to 40 minutes for a bus," one bus rider said.

"I take the Q12 all the time and it's infrequent if it does show up," another bus rider said.

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