Politics
November Referendum on Queens Transit Funding Would Direct Resources to Long Island City Routes
The ballot measure would raise a dedicated revenue stream that the MTA projects would support upgrades to the 7 train and local bus lines serving residents near Court Square and Gantry Plaza.
How we reported this
Voters across Queens will decide in November on a referendum that creates a new local funding mechanism for transit projects. The measure targets improvements to subway and bus service in Long Island City and adjacent neighborhoods.
The proposal appears on the ballot after the New York City Council approved a charter amendment process in March 2026. It responds to documented capacity shortfalls on the 7 line between Queensboro Plaza and 45th Road stations during peak hours.
How the Measure Would Allocate Funds
Passage would direct an estimated $180 million over five years to the MTA for signal modernization on the 7 train and added bus lanes on 21st Street. Local residents who rely on these routes for daily travel to Manhattan or to jobs at the Long Island City waterfront would see the first scheduled work begin in 2027 if the measure passes.
Policy analysts note that current MTA capital plans already list $4.2 billion in Queens projects through 2029, yet none include the specific 7 line signal work identified in the referendum text. The new funds would supplement that baseline without replacing existing allocations.
Residents in the 11101 and 11109 zip codes would face an average annual increase of $42 in combined sales and property tax equivalents under the formula set out in the referendum language. The city Board of Elections projects that 68,000 registered voters in those zip codes would be eligible to cast ballots on the question.
If approved, the legislation states that the MTA must report quarterly on spending to the Queens Borough President starting in January 2027. The first report would detail contracts awarded for the Court Square station accessibility upgrades.