Queens Residents Get First Look at Interborough Express Plan

The MTA unveiled the Interborough Express at its first Queens open house, connecting Brooklyn and Queens. This light rail project skips Manhattan entirely, promising better transit. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Spanning 14 miles, the route stretches from Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights, linking 17 subway lines. It also integrates with the Long Island Rail Road, expecting to serve 115,000 weekday passengers.

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Despite funding uncertainties due to congestion pricing disputes, the MTA pushes the project forward confidently. The agency nears completion of selecting an engineering firm, scheduling additional public meetings soon.

On Thursday evening, Queens locals gathered to hear about this light rail, enhancing regional travel. The MTA outlined how it will utilize a 14-mile underused freight corridor effectively.

The plan transforms tracks owned by the Long Island Rail Road and CSX for commuters. Consequently, it promises seamless connections across 17 subway lines, benefiting numerous daily riders.

Charlie Gans, MTA project executive, emphasized their commitment to securing legislative support in Albany. He hopes sufficient capital funding arrives, propelling this rail toward rapid development soon.

Governor Kathy Hochul greenlit the environmental review for this project back in 2022, sparking progress. Since then, the MTA has prioritized light rail as the optimal choice for this corridor.

Interborough Express Boosts Community Access

This line maintains the Bay Ridge Branch’s freight role while enhancing transit options significantly. It targets nearly 900,000 residents and 260,000 workers along its bustling route.

Weekday estimates predict 115,000 riders, with end-to-end trips lasting under 40 minutes consistently. Thus, this rail could revolutionize commuting for countless Brooklyn and Queens residents.

Queens attendees at the open house expressed enthusiasm about potential commute improvements. For instance, Jim from Astoria shared how mass transit currently complicates his workday journey.

He explained needing a train, a bus, and a 20-minute walk to reach work. However, this project could simplify this, cutting travel time for him and others dramatically.

Stephanie Plachy-Feinstein from Glendale highlighted how the rail would halve her commute to Bushwick. She anticipates swapping her car for a swift two-stop ride, boosting efficiency.

Other residents noted the project addresses “transit deserts” plaguing both boroughs effectively. One local emphasized how limited rail access currently hampers their daily mobility significantly.

Interborough Express Moves Forward

The MTA schedules more open houses, inviting further community input across both boroughs. The next event occurs on April 3 at South Shore High School in Brooklyn.

This initiative reflects the MTA’s proactive approach to enhancing regional connectivity and transit equity. With community support growing, the rail edges closer to transforming urban travel permanently.

Optimism surrounds the project, yet funding remains a pivotal factor for its ultimate success. The MTA continues refining plans, ensuring this transit solution meets modern commuters’ needs efficiently.

Source: www.fox5ny.com

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