NYC's First Rail Line Since 1940 Takes Shape
MTA's 14-mile Interborough Express enters design phase, linking Queens and Brooklyn
MTA Interborough Express Enters Design Phase
The MTA's Interborough Express rail line connecting Queens and Brooklyn entered its design phase in August, officials announced. The 14-mile project will link Jackson Heights to Sunset Park with an estimated 32-minute travel time, serving an expected 88,000 daily riders. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the line addresses communities underserved by transit for decades, though officials haven't specified when construction will begin.
Addressing Transit Gap Between Outer Boroughs
The project tackles a long-standing weakness in New York's transit network, where trips between outer boroughs often require lengthy transfers through Manhattan. Current travel times between outer Queens and Brooklyn can reach 60 to 90 minutes, according to transit officials. Mitchell Moss, professor of urban policy and planning at NYU's Rudin Center for Transportation, said the project addresses a fundamental flaw in the city's transit system. Governor Kathy Hochul first announced the Interborough Express in her January 2022 State of the State address, though specific station locations haven't been finalized.
Project Details and Cost Estimates
The rail line will use the existing Bay Ridge Branch freight corridor, originally constructed in 1878. The MTA estimates the project will cost $5.5 billion, though officials haven't released a breakdown of federal, state, and local funding sources. The line is projected to serve 88,000 riders daily once operational. Technical specifications including the type of rail service—whether light rail, heavy rail, or commuter rail—are being determined during the design phase. Officials said the project's use of existing tracks could help control costs and speed implementation.
Timeline and Environmental Review
The design phase is expected to take two to three years, according to transit officials. Environmental review is ongoing, with completion required before construction can begin. Officials haven't announced a construction start date or projected opening year. Betsy Plum, executive director of the Riders Alliance, called the project a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix a major gap in the transit network.
Impact on Commuters
The new line would be New York City's first major rail expansion since 1940, providing a direct connection that eliminates transfers through Manhattan for thousands of daily commuters. Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association, said connecting Brooklyn and Queens directly will unlock economic opportunities and reduce commute times for hundreds of thousands of residents. Riders can track project updates and plan trips using Moovit's real-time transit information for the New York area.
