MTA Bx42 Bus Route Schedule & Map: 2026 Bronx Transit Guide

The MTA Bx42 bus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week between Throggs Neck and Riverdale/Morris Heights in the Bronx, running primarily along East Tremont Avenue. During weekday peak hours, buses run every 8 to 12 minutes, while off-peak and weekend headways range from 12 to 20 minutes. Real-time arrival tracking is available via MTA Bus Time.

Overview of the Bx42 Bus Service in the Bronx

The Bx42 is a critical east-west arterial bus route managed by MTA Regional Bus Operations (New York City Transit). Serving the borough of the Bronx, the route links residential communities in Throggs Neck and Country Club to central commercial hubs, healthcare centers, and major rail infrastructure across the borough.

The Bx42 shares a significant portion of its core corridor along East Tremont Avenue with the Bx40 route. While both lines provide continuous service along East Tremont Avenue between West 231st Street/Riverdale and Westchester Square, they diverge at the eastern end:

• Bx42 Route Branch: Diverges at Westchester Square to serve Balcom Avenue, Harding Avenue, and Miles Avenue, providing dedicated access to the Throggs Neck peninsula.
• Bx40 Route Branch: Continues along East Tremont Avenue directly toward Fort Schuyler and Pennyfield Avenue.

Because of this shared trunk line, commuters traveling along central East Tremont Avenue can utilize either the Bx40 or Bx42, effectively doubling the service frequency along the shared corridor.

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Bx42 Bus Schedule and Service Frequency

The Bx42 operates continuously on a 24-hour schedule. Service intervals (headways) adjust dynamically based on daily commute demand, traffic congestion along East Tremont Avenue, and time of day.

Weekday, Weekend, and Late-Night Headways

Note: Scheduled times represent target arrival intervals. Real-time traffic events along the East Tremont corridor can alter specific trip departures.

Detailed Bx42 Route Alignment & Major Bus Stops

The Bx42 spans the width of the Bronx, moving from the waterfront residential areas of Throggs Neck in the east to the high-density transit corridors of Riverdale and Morris Heights in the west.

Westbound Stops: Throggs Neck to Riverdale / Morris Heights

1. Harding Ave & Longstreet Ave (Terminus): Eastern origin serving local Throggs Neck residents.
2. Miles Ave & Pennyfield Ave: Access to local waterfront housing and educational institutions.
3. Balcom Ave & East Tremont Ave: Crucial junction where the Bx42 joins the shared Bx40 trunk line.
4. Westchester Sq & East Tremont Ave: Transfer point for the IRT Pelham Line (6 Train) and local commercial zone.
5. East Tremont Ave & Boston Rd: Access to West Farms and local cross-town connections.
6. East Tremont Ave & Southern Blvd: Proximity to the Bronx Zoo (South Entrance) and Crotona Park.
7. East Tremont Ave & Grand Concourse: Central Bronx arterial transit point; access to IND Concourse Line (B/D Trains).
8. East Tremont Ave & Jerome Ave: Transfer point for the IRT Jerome Avenue Line (4 Train).
9. West 231st St & Broadway (Terminus): Major western intermodal hub connecting to the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line (1 Train).

Eastbound Stops: Riverdale / Morris Heights to Throggs Neck

1. West 231st St & Broadway: Departure point heading eastbound.
2. East Tremont Ave & University Ave: Serving University Heights and local educational campuses.
3. East Tremont Ave & Jerome Ave: Direct stair access to the elevated 4 train platform.
4. East Tremont Ave & Webster Ave: Access to the Metro-North Railroad Tremont Station.
5. East Tremont Ave & Westchester Ave (Westchester Sq): Rapid transfer to the 6 train.
6. Harding Ave & Balcom Ave: Transition off the main Tremont Avenue corridor into Throggs Neck.
7. Harding Ave & Pennyfield Ave (Terminus): Eastern terminus layover.

Critical MTA Subway and Rail Connections

The Bx42 acts as an east-west feeder route, connecting riders to major north-south rail routes leading into Manhattan, Westchester County, and Queens.

Transit Connection Tip When transferring between the Bx42 bus and elevated MTA subway stations at Westchester Square, Jerome Avenue, or Broadway, ensure your OMNY contactless payment device or MetroCard is tapped within the standard 2-hour transfer window to secure your free transfer.

Key Rail Transfer Stations

• Westchester Square–East Tremont Avenue Station: Connects to the 6 Train (Pelham Local/Express).
• Tremont Avenue Station (Grand Concourse): Connects to the B Train (Rush-hour Express) and D Train (Sixth Avenue Express).
• Burnside Avenue / Tremont Avenue Corridor: Connects to the 4 Train (Lexington Avenue Express/Local).
• Tremont Metro-North Station: Connects to the Harlem Line for suburban commuter transfers.
• West 231st Street Station: Connects to the 1 Train (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Local).

Tracking the Bx42 in Real Time: Official Tools & Apps

Due to urban surface traffic congestion on East Tremont Avenue, relying strictly on printed schedules can lead to unexpected travel delays. Passengers should use real-time tracking systems to verify live bus locations.

Using MTA Bus Time

MTA Bus Time provides vehicle location tracking powered by onboard GPS units installed across the MTA bus fleet.

1. Desktop and Mobile Web: Visit the official MTA Bus Time website and search for "Bx42" or enter your specific 6-digit bus stop code (found on the bus stop pole badge).
2. SMS Notification Service: Text your bus stop code to 511123 to receive an immediate text reply with the distance and estimated arrival time of the next three approaching Bx42 buses.
3. Official Mobile Applications: Use the official MTA App (available on iOS and Android) to view an interactive live map showing individual vehicle numbers, crowd levels, and spatial movement along the Bx42 route.

Fare Payment, OMNY, and Transfer Rules

The fare structure on the Bx42 conforms to standard MTA Regional Bus fare policies.

• Standard Bus Fare: $2.90 per single ride for adults and children over 44 inches tall.
• OMNY Contactless Payment: Tap your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card at the digital reader located at the front door of the bus.
• MetroCard Usage: Dip your Pay-Per-Ride or Unlimited MetroCard into the farebox next to the bus operator.
• Reduced-Fare Program: Qualified seniors (65+) and passengers with disabilities pay $1.45 using a registered Reduced-Fare OMNY account or Reduced-Fare MetroCard.

Transfer Privileges

• Bus-to-Subway: Tapping your OMNY card or MetroCard on the Bx42 entitles you to one free transfer to the subway within 2 hours of your initial tap.
• Bus-to-Bus: A free transfer is automatically granted between the Bx42 and intersecting local bus routes (such as the Bx40, Bx1, Bx2, Bx9, Bx12, Bx36, and Q50) within the 2-hour window.

Accessibility Features & Service Guidelines

All MTA buses operating on the Bx42 line comply fully with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

• Wheelchair Ramps & Kneeling Mechanism: Front doors are equipped with electric fold-out ramps. Operators can lower the right side of the bus chassis (kneeling feature) to minimize the step height from the curb.
• Designated Seating: Priority seating spaces with secure tie-down anchor straps are located directly behind the driver's cab for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
• Audio-Visual Announcements: Next-stop names and major transfer connections are announced automatically through internal speakers and displayed on digital interior LED screens.
• Stroller Guidelines: Open strollers are permitted on board but must be parked in designated open areas without blocking the center aisle or emergency exit pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bx42 bus run 24 hours a day?

Yes, the Bx42 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During overnight hours (12:00 AM to 5:00 AM), service operates on reduced headways, with buses arriving roughly every 30 to 60 minutes.

What is the main difference between the Bx40 and Bx42 bus routes?

While both buses share the same main corridor along East Tremont Avenue between Riverdale/Morris Heights and Westchester Square, they split on their eastern end. The Bx42 turns onto Balcom Avenue and Harding Avenue to serve Throggs Neck, whereas the Bx40 continues directly on East Tremont Avenue toward Fort Schuyler.

How can I track the live arrival time of a Bx42 bus?

You can track live arrivals using the official MTA App or by visiting the MTA Bus Time website. Alternatively, you can text your 6-digit bus stop code to 511123 to receive real-time arrival estimates via text message.

Does the Bx42 connect directly to Metro-North train lines?

Yes, the Bx42 stops near the Tremont Metro-North Railroad station located at East Tremont Avenue and Park Avenue/Webster Avenue, allowing passengers to transfer to Harlem Line trains.

Can I transfer for free from the Bx42 to the 6 subway train?

Yes, using an OMNY card, smartphone digital wallet, or Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard grants you one free transfer between the Bx42 bus and the 6 train at the Westchester Square–East Tremont Avenue station within two hours of paying your initial fare.

Reliable Navigation for Bronx Commuters

Navigating the Bx42 bus route efficiently requires knowing its shared trunk alignment with the Bx40 along East Tremont Avenue and taking advantage of real-time GPS tracking tools. Whether commuting west to access the 1, 4, 6, or B/D subway trains or traveling east into Throggs Neck, keeping live tracking platforms handy ensures smooth travel across the Bronx.