To welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament and improve airport transportation, Mayor Mamdani of New York announced on the 13th that a dedicated bus lane leading to LaGuardia Airport will be added in the Queens borough. This initiative aims to enhance the commuting efficiency of the Q70-SBS express bus and is expected to be completed before the start of the World Cup this year.
Mayor Mamdani stated that the city’s Department of Transportation plans to establish a dedicated lane for eastbound Q70-SBS express buses between 69th Street on Broadway and Roosevelt Avenue.
The Q70-SBS, also known as the “LaGuardia Link,” is a crucial public transportation route connecting LaGuardia Airport with the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station. This route allows transfers to the 7, E, F, M, and R subway lines, as well as the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and multiple local bus routes. According to city data, this route serves approximately 9,000 passengers daily.
According to transportation department statistics, the section of Broadway that the Q70 route currently travels through sees speeds as low as 2.7 miles per hour during evening rush hours, sometimes slower than the average walking speed. The city believes that the new bus lane will effectively increase bus speeds and on-time performance, reducing travel time for passengers and residents commuting to and from the airport.
As per the current plan, the new bus lane will be centrally located, while maintaining one general lane for traffic in each direction. The Department of Transportation expects to present the proposal to the local community board later this month and aims to complete the project before the start of the World Cup in June.