MTA Gathers Input to Shape Interborough Express

MTA holds workshops on Interborough Express rail line connecting Queens to Brooklyn

MTA Hosts Workshops for Interborough Express

The MTA's hosting community workshops to gather public input on the Interborough Express, a proposed rail line that'll connect Jackson Heights in Queens to Sunset Park in Brooklyn. Six workshops are planned across both boroughs to allow residents to learn about the project and share their ideas. The IBX will include 18 stations along the route, with 13 offering transfers to existing subway lines.

Background

The rail line will be built along an existing freight rail corridor, reducing the need for commuters to travel through Manhattan to move between the two boroughs. Currently, Queens residents often have to travel into Manhattan just to reach Brooklyn destinations. The MTA estimates the IBX will eliminate nearly 22 million miles of passenger vehicle trips annually and improve economic opportunities for approximately 1 million New Yorkers living along the route. The project addresses a long-standing gap in the city's transit network by providing direct cross-borough service.

Key Details

The proposed line will feature 18 stations from Jackson Heights to Sunset Park, with 13 stations offering subway transfers to existing lines. The MTA said the rail line will use an existing freight corridor, which officials said will help reduce construction complexity. Attendees at the first workshop in Elmhurst, Queens expressed enthusiasm about reduced travel times between the boroughs. Some residents raised concerns about whether other transit projects might better serve the area, though officials said the IBX addresses a critical connectivity gap.

Timeline

The project's currently in the environmental review and design phase, which is expected to continue until the end of 2027. The MTA hasn't announced a completion date for the IBX project. Officials said the workshops will help shape the project's final design and station locations. Additional community input sessions are scheduled throughout the environmental review process.

Rider Impact

The IBX will provide direct service between Queens and Brooklyn without requiring transfers through Manhattan, significantly reducing travel times for cross-borough trips. Residents who currently face lengthy commutes between the boroughs can expect improved access to jobs and services along the route. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for MTA services throughout New York City.