Service on the route, initially known as the Q12A, began on June 4, 1950, following a request made by Queens Borough President Maurice A. FitzGerald. In 1990, the route was renumbered the Q79.
The service on this line started on June 4, 1950, under its original designation as the Q12A, initiated at the request of Queens Borough President Maurice A. FitzGerald. Ten years later, in 1990, the route was renumbered to become the Q79.