New Subway Line? | The Interborough Express

Yesterday, the Governor and the MTA revealed a "new" project, called The Interborough Express, running between Queens and Brooklyn. In this video, I take a look at it, and give my thoughts on this new project.
My Gaming Channel: / mysticzeenoz
Join My Discord Server: / discord
Follow Me On Instagram: / mztransit
My Twitter: / realzeenoz
I make cool Transportation Videos, mostly revolving around Railfanning/Trainspotting, Station Tours, and Informational-Type videos. This is an overall chill channel, so if you like Transportation, Consider Subscribing!
#TheInterboroughExpress #MTA #NYCSubway

[@pimpnamedslickback7780]

The people who think it's bad dont live in the outerboroughs. This is a fantastic idea that would connect alot of places that arent accessible by rail access currently

[@MysticTransit]

I fully agree. Not a lot of people realize how beneficial this would be for riders in Brooklyn/Queens. I don't even live in those two boroughs, but just from transit knowledge, and my experience of being in those current transit deserts, I definitely support this plan.

[@pimpnamedslickback7780]

@@MysticTransit Yeah man there are millions of people who have to hop on the bus to get to the train station everyday to go to work. A lot of people dont realize how bad it is

[@Not_Sal]

Exactly! I shouldn’t have to take a really long train ride through Manhattan to get to Brooklyn from Queens

[@CompositesNG]

Needs to go to the Bronx

[@NickyD]

lol its never gonna happen its a PR stunt how about fix the currrent system first

[@McJesusLightningFish]

For the people who don’t think it’s a good idea because it doesn’t hit any “major” areas remember that the 7 train was built in the middle of farms.

[@TMC_BC]

I think it’s a bad idea because there’s a much cheaper way to solve this, and it improves service elsewhere as well. I do know that Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn are growing rapidly, but 99% of the time, I assure you that is in LIC, Fordham, and Downtown Brooklyn. LIC and Downtown Brooklyn are already connected by the IND Crosstown Line, and Fordham could benefit from improved Metro North Service at 15 trains per hour peak-direction, and 15 trains per hour reverse-peak direction. In fact, we should build an entirely new station at Fordham with dual-island platforms to allow both Harlem and New Haven trains to stop there. The Crosstown Line could see a new transfer being made to the Broadway Brooklyn Line by demolishing Hewes and Lorimer, and replacing them with a Union Avenue Stop.

[@MysticTransit]

It doesn't matter if most of the development is in LIC, eastern Queens NEEDS rail service - it's a transit desert currently. And that can't be solved with the buses...

[@TMC_BC]

@@MysticTransit I would prefer adding express tracks to the Canarsie Line, and splitting it off to serve the New York Connecting Railroad and LIE out to Springfield Blvd, with the area on the NY Connecting Railroad being what the Interboro Express would serve north of East NY. Adding those extra express tracks would be easy, since in Brooklyn, we have the abandoned LIRR Evergreen Branch, and in Manhattan, the line could possibly take 13th Street to 8th Avenue.

[@enriquecarmona9935]

Wow really. What year was that.

[@enriquecarmona9935]

@@MysticTransit it's a short cut for people that want to go to the beach. I hope you live in queens And try to get to coney island. From 7 lines 111 roosevelt station. Ans see how long it will take you. Then try with this new line .

[@johnlcq]

As someone who grew up in Brooklyn (Bensonhurst very close to Bay Ridge) and now lives in Queens (Jackson Heights) this is an absolute no brainer. Props to the new Gov for giving this a serious shot. Connects to at least 2 massive hubs at Jackson Heights and Broadway Junction too.

[@tonyjaxkson3669]

Don’t forget 62nd & New Utrecht. This line is perfectly placed.

[@wilsonli5642]

As someone who grew up in Forest Hills and now live in Flatbush, this is going to be great for getting together with my Queens friends again!

[@JamesScantlebury]

If y'all haven't looked at the London Overground - it was a transformational project in London in the 2010s very similar in concept to this, using underused/disused rail freight lines for high quality transit. It allows orbital travel around London, in a similar style to this project. The Overground caused massive development around its stations. The ridership has been phenomenal, and allows for so much better travel around the city. It's gonna be amazing - push forward for it!

[@MysticTransit]

Yessss. I was thinking about the London Overground in comparison for this project, and I think if this is done properly, it could resemble a Commuter/Suburban Rail system similar to it.

[@ellebarron7112]

Sort of similar done with the DLR and that allowed for canary wharf to become what it did. Building for the future is important with transit.

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

@@ellebarron7112 The Jubilee Line also did, not just the DLR! And soon, Crossrail will add to that!

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

The London Overground might possibly face further expansion such as a new route along the currently freight only Dudding Hill Line from Cricklewood to about Brentford and Hounslow, something like that. That’s without including potential takeovers of existing commuter services from other London terminals such as Waterloo, Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street just like it was done at Liverpool Street in 2015 Barking Riverside extension is being built for the new development, with a possible add on option for Thamesmead too. That would be good as that town has no rail links whatsoever, just a load of bus routes like the 472. And it gives options to link up with Crossrail at Abbey Wood

[@JaredVonBaren]

Development is needed right now, especially post-COVID when we basically need to tear down anything that couldn’t be effectively cleaned, and build a new building. Efficiency for ALL services, from Gas Lines to the Sewer Lines, to the Water Lines & more - all new, & fresh so we can start to refresh these areas that need to, honestly, be bulldozed to the ground & completely rebuilt.

[@AAmed1980]

This is a great idea. The freight train runs right next to Brooklyn College and extends all the way up to the Bronx. We can finally go to Queens and back without having to travel into Manhattan first. Should also relieve congestion on the Manhattan lines as commuters traveling between Queen and Brooklyn can avoid Manhattan.

[@JaredVonBaren]

Exactly. This helps reduce COVID spread & everything else. This is a win, win, win.

[@295g295]

Is this Bay Ridge Branch freight line now single-track or double-track?

[@openlink9958]

@@JaredVonBaren what are you talking about?

[@christianmontalvo9657]

I think this line is a fantastic idea to further connect NYC and get people where they need to go outside of Manhattan. Great to start with further connecting Brooklyn and Queens but it would be fantastic to connect it to the Bronx as well. It would also totally transform transit for Staten Island if the line was extended from Bay Ridge to St George and connect to the SIR. Being a Staten Island resident, I would 100% utilize that train to get into Brooklyn.

[@tianshansky]

I would love to see a complete metropolitan circular line. Take it to Staten Island, then to New Jersey and wrap back around to the Bronx from NJ.

[@Genolocs]

Absolutely an amazing idea. I live in Ridgewood Queens and this would be amazing to get to south Brooklyn that easily. I went to Brooklyn College and it was an absolute DRAG to get from Flatbush to central Queens

[@jasonjtd79dunne88]

They need to make one from the Bronx to Queens also the eastern half of Queens is an even bigger desolate landscape for trains as the Nassau border is by 260st while the F ends at 179, the E at Parsons/Archer roughly 164 and the 7 at Main and Roosevelt

[@blkyankee7975]

They should definitely extend the F-line into Bellerose and possibly extend the R-line pass 71st-Continental Avenue up to 179th Street

[@ricomixology5264]

@@blkyankee7975 I agree

[@langstonreese7077]

@@blkyankee7975 or just (to add to your idea), extand all of dat to the 200 streets queens!? Like the lirr does. Bc that is kinda of a transit desert. (NOT including the lirr, inclidng; mta trains)

[@blkyankee7975]

@@langstonreese7077 yes at least get it up to where the Belt parkway is at . Places like Floral Park, Laurelton and Cambria Heights ,NY definitely deserve easier access

[@FGH9G]

Oh yeah seriously. They should've made the Throg's Neck Bridge and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge have mass transit sections/decks so you can take a subway from Queens directly to the Bronx and vice versa.

[@camjkerman]

I'm so glad the US is finally getting orbital transit into it's cities. I've lived on 2 London Overground lines in my life- the Gospel Oak-Barking Line (known affectionately as the GOBLIN by locals), and now the North London Line. It's a real life saver, I can go from my flat in Kentish Town to the new East End commercial areas in Stratford for just £1 each way as I don't have to go through Zone 1 in central. Though in my case I do wish it were a little faster, the 20mph sections around Camden and Stratford aren't particularly nice, but that's what you get with infrastructure designed in the day when trains could barely reach 50mph at the best of times.

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

If there was a way to add a line across the Verrazano Bridge, it would be cool. There has been some talk of extending HBLR into Staten Island and it could hook up with an extension to this line at the SI Railway at Clifton or Grasmere.

[@blkyankee7975]

This is a very good move by De-facto Gov Holchul, this proposed line will definitely take pressure off of the L and R-Lines . Another proposition that should be brought up is the possibility of extending the Rockaway shuttle along the old LIRR Rockaway branch lines down into the Glendale area or to Woodhaven Blvd station on the R,M-line (Queens Blvd line)

[@khaseemroberts4283]

Great reality for an extended faster communication connection to get from Queens to Brooklyn and including a growth of short cuts including the Bronx too, helps reduce overcrowding a lot too and make it happen too! Buses can’t get nowhere faster even driving your own vehicles and others!

[@RaghunandanReddyC]

I had similar idea for a while. Subway clearly needs a loop line connecting outer boroughs. Its hard reach any place thats not in Manhattan.

[@GabiN64]

this would clear so much congestion. this line would be a game changer for NYC economy

[@andyrob3259]

Excellent idea. And any one that says otherwise is short sighted. The failure of many transit systems is they are linear. From suburb to city centre. And it makes the many more trips that people make across the city more difficult. This solves it in one simple solution. A middle ring link line and long term could be more beneficial than any proposed new suburb-city subway. More people need to move across suburbs than go suburbs - city centre. You generally just don’t see it as they are all trying to do it via slow buses or cars.

[@MysticTransit]

I fully agree. Not everyone needs to get to the center of Manhattan, and not everyone wants to have to go through it just to get to another borough. This is the start of an NYC Orbital Line, which I wouldn't say is completely needed, however, it would be a great addition to our transit system, and would greatly help out the people who live within the transit deserts in Eastern Queens.

[@WiseAssGamer]

I love the idea, I know how difficult it is at times to get from one side of the 5 boroughs to the other. This would be awesome. My only gripe, is that it doesn't extent over the Hells Gate Bridge to The Bronx. Now if they're planning that in the future, cool.

[@MysticTransit]

I think with the way the line is currently planned, there would be provisions to extend it into the Bronx and Staten Island.

[@JaredVonBaren]

This would be a definite must have, & I don’t see that it would be very hard for them to make that happen.

[@kaifreeman294]

Actually this line runs "parallel" with the L line. Same way it does with the N via Sea Beach Line but up to a certain point (just like with the L line). In general though, I feel like this would most definitely benefit a lot of New Yorker's. Also in my opinion it should be a regular subway line, so this way it would be a better fit when connecting with the other subway's. If they did make it a subway line, then have the T line for that branch and then bring back the V line once phase 4 of the Second Ave line is completed. So rather then the T, just have the V line running from Hannover Sq. to 125th in Harlem. As far as having a light rail service goes, it wouldn't be as bad neither because there is a plan about having one going from Downtown Brooklyn to LIC Queen's. Either way it sound's like a very interesting project and I'm glad to see that it's being taking off of the ground this time. With this project, if it is going to be a commuter rail then just bring back the Bay Ridge line or make it a Metro North branch or something. Lastly, as far as pushing it to Staten Island goes, the R train was once planned on extending out there because there is part of an existing tunnel that was build from Bay Ridge but stopped at a certain point. "Not sure if they are any talk's on ever finishing it" but it would be a good idea though.

[@tjr4459]

This possible line passes behind an apartment I used to live in on Avenue H in Brooklyn. Ever so often you would hear a freight train pass by. I’m glad to see they’re looking into its potential for greater use. I didn’t know it was such a long line going up into Queens.

[@joecurry2229]

Phillip Howards

[@carlheadley9775]

Actually the Bay ridge branch runs under Broadway Junction parallel to the L so it would have its own line separate from the L tracks. So it would most liking be a commuter/ s Bahn form of service.

[@irtunionport329]

This is a fantastic idea. My only question is as a person who lives in the Bronx when are we going to see some service from the Bronx into queens and eventually Brooklyn. It’s really needed

[@MysticTransit]

It is definitely needed, but I say that they should focus on getting the Brooklyn/Queens part of the line finished before considering a Bronx extension.

[@jeffrienunez4557]

The Bronx can use more service in general

[@MrBxbreezy]

Ive said the same! We could use potential 6 train extension

[@irtunionport329]

@@MrBxbreezy that’s an interesting idea but how?

[@MrBxbreezy]

@@irtunionport329 the 6 could actually continue along the 4 or 5 into brooklyn or even the 2 line. It would help alleviate common congestion from those that transfer but need local service along Lexington ave. Sounds easy can be done but the logistics would take some adjusting.

[@ihavenoidea5277]

I live in maspeth and this would be so amazing. I’ve always wondered what would happen if the IND second system was built but this would still be a welcome addition.

[@MrBxbreezy]

This is a fantastic idea, i appreciate this video. Its important they expand our transit system like this as ridership even post pandemic is still high. Residents and commuters to that area im sure are estatic.

[@dtheman4J]

This line seems like it is a circle line, with the intention of connecting all of the other lines so that it is easy to travel between them (ok in this case semi-circle). Connecting big attractions was not the issue. It is a good idea, as interborough connectivity is very bad unless you are going to Manhattan.

[@MysticTransit]

Exactly. That's how I feel about this project.

[@tserenne]

I live around Newkirk, and my friends and cousins are around Jackson height. I used to take Q and transfer to 7, it used to take around an hour and 10 min, with this it connects directly. I'm excited!

[@fotoelba]

I think that the main weakness of New York Subway is the lack of circle or orbital line. So something similar to the London Overground or the Moscow Central Circle, could be very useful.

[@thetrainguy1]

I think they will have to consider Commuter Rail...as it's still a freight line. And the FRA will not allow the mixing of the two ... Unless the system shuts down after a certain time and in NYC you can't have that.

[@NickyD]

i hear it maybe light rail its never gonna get build

[@tngbrayden4472]

@@NickyD oh no light rail

[@benw3864]

@@NickyD Automated light metro would be better. It'd be cheap to set up and be fully automated and grade separated. Look at the Montreal REM for reference.

[@tubecraft5343]

Subway tracks can be laid beside railway tracks. As long as there is no track connection between the two modes, the service is legal.

[@gregodessite]

Hope there will be space for second track.

[@FeliceChiapperini]

Thanks for this video. I hope this actually happens! A real game-changer would be to extend this new line to Staten Island.

[@glenntaylor1834]

You can also see the Bay Ridge line at the L's Atlantic Station. At that location, you will see the open cut of former Bay Ridge branch station. The existing ROW can be modified to handle MTA Rolling Stocks, in my opinion especially at this section not to far from The L's Atlantic station.

[@redbird1train855]

You can also see a part of the bay ridge branch line at the Livonia ave station on the L line as well

[@douglasjgallup]

It's for sure a great idea. There will be plenty of new stations between the connection points which will serve areas never served by Subway stations before. Plus, growth will occur along the existing collection points making them bigger destinations. As someone who lived in Benson Hurst, it was always a pain getting to Queens Center mall. When I lived in Middle Village, it was a pain getting to Coney island. This will really get people around and allow them to avoid the slow trips through Manhattan.

[@MysticTransit]

I fully agree, I think this will be a great addition to NYC's Transit Network, and a big help for people living in those areas of Queens and Brooklyn.

[@benw3864]

I hope NYC would eventually open its mind to a modern service like Montreal REM with the small trains, open gangways, platform screen doors, etc. and would hopefully have the initiative to eventually automated the current lines, but the transit workers union would go insane over automation anything. Unions have complete monopoly over everything in NYC and the bureaucracy won't let anything get done for a reasonable price and on a reasonable timeline.

[@qjtvaddict]

@@benw3864 don’t care they hold trains for no reason and screw people all the time

[@qjtvaddict]

@@benw3864 the feds need to get involved

[@JaredVonBaren]

It’s not a bad idea at all - IN FACT, it’s a great idea because, it could serve as a good traffic jam time workaround for many people, who maybe just need to take a Manhattan train into N. Brooklyn, then they could take this all the way to LIRR to bypass a lot of the slower stops within the Manhattan Subway area, as far as the Island lines.

[@WiseAssGamer]

Another thing, this would actually help a lot of people living in the Bay Ridge area to get to Nassau and Suffolk easier. I'm noticing that it does meet up with quite a few LIRR routes. As it is now, if you live in Brooklyn and you want to hit up the Hamptons, Montauk, or even Roosevelt Field Mall, you have to either drive taking the Belt, or treck your way to the Atlantic Turminal.

[@MysticTransit]

Yeah, this would help people get to different places in the borough much much easier.

[@qjtvaddict]

At 59th express trains get to Atlantic terminal in 2 stops

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

When I looked at the map I always thought a loop line was missing. Great idea and minimal effort needed to make it happen

[@michaelmorales1475]

Fun Fact: Apart of The 1968 Program for Action, there were Plans to Re-Route The (L) Line from Broadway Junction (I think) to Flatbash near The (2) & (5) Trains.

[@MysticTransit]

Wow, never knew that. Very interesting.

[@michaelmorales1475]

@@MysticTransit Yup, Via This Branch.

[@F40PH-2CAT]

True, but that was at a time when Penn Central was practically begging to abandon the Bay Ridge line. Things are very different 50 years later.

[@tombarzey7964]

That would be great if there was a subway line connection from the Bronx going to Queens and Brooklyn so there wouldn't be the need to go through Manhattan.

[@MysticTransit]

I agree, but that's what this would basically be.

[@mnunezhk]

@@MysticTransit it's not going into the Bronx though..

[@Brianrockrailfan]

NYC subway needs a line to Staten Island, NY soon ! 🚇

[@nicolasmonty3692]

In an earlier iteration of the interborough (was triboro) did have a connection to Staten Island but I think that was from the 70s, , 80s or 90s

[@mzxeternal]

Anyone who doesn't think this is a good idea isn't seeing the big picture. This will connect several transit deserts and connect multiple lines. It will be a vital resource for people along it as well as those looking to connect to other lines without going to Manhattan. There's a few ways they could do it, personally I think it should be a new division like London's Overground, using a different type of equipment than the MTA currently uses. PATH trains for example are rapid transit, but they're rail road trains not lesser regulated subway stock, but operate like them over federally regulated rail track. Who knows though, High frequency Light Rail might be sufficient for this line as well, and would probably be the cheapest route short of a bus rapid transit corridor. The challenge will also be the challenges by nimbys along the corridor. I'd expect to see some from Maspeth and Middle village nimbys along that route. I used to commute from Flushing to Brooklyn often and it sucked. Something like this would have been huge. Flushing to Canarsie is a heck of a trip currently, it'd be much easier trip with this route. Great video as allways, your were 100% on point.

[@MysticTransit]

I share the London Overground idea with you. I've always wanted NYC to have a London Overground/S-Bahn type of Commuter Rail system.

[@benw3864]

Automated light metro like the Montreal REM would be best. Light Rail in general is always a messy technology, and the full automation would allow the line to be super cheap.

[@mzxeternal]

@@benw3864 I don't know, Hudson Bergen Light Rail serves far more than this line is anticipating just fine out in Jersey. Could be fine for the needs of this line.

[@F40PH-2CAT]

It's a collosal waste of money. I see the big picture fine.

[@YouTubeLover123]

@@F40PH-2CAT the big picture is not having to go to Manhattan to transfer to other lines. It might seem small, but it can end up as a huge time save for some people.

[@alfredogarbanzo2276]

This seems like a great idea, thanks for the video!!

[@MysticTransit]

No problem. I found this new plan interesting, and I wanted to give my thoughts about it in a video!

[@MysticTransit]

For those asking about the program I am using in the video to plot lines down, it is Brand New Subway. Here's the link: jpwright.github.io/subway/ Enjoy!

[@kennyadvocat]

very cool site!. Would be nice if get got that BQX that's already mapped there in addition to the interborough.

[@SleepyRaccoon]

“You can’t have a train come every 20 minutes” Me: *Laughs in a New Jersey accent*

[@mikeny2010]

Bro you’re absolutely killing it!!!! Keep the content coming it’s been so long since I’ve been this informed about the transit goings on of the city.

[@MysticTransit]

Glad I could inform you about the new transit projects!

[@justsamoo3480]

I think like a automated light metro type service (something like Sydney metro) would be amazing. So that: a) it’s cheap for MTA to operate high frequency b) is cheaper to build, since you don’t need big stations, because of that high frequency. c) because of those smaller stations it’s to extended to Bronx, LGA or even Staten Island.

[@benw3864]

Yup I was thinking this too. Light metro is around the same price as light rail but significantly better. I think building a modern line like that would ignite public will to go forth and modernize the rest of the subway network to those standards because New Yorkers would finally understand what a world class rail passenger experience is. Right now the city is being held back because of the bureaucracy and transit unions screaming and crying at the first mention of automation. It really all kind of sucks, and NYC having an automated modern system with platform screen doors would serve the city so much better.

[@kenjiharima23nep91]

5:42 I'm gonna have to correct you wrong, if you look up bay Ridge branch, there's a E NY station Underneath LIRR Atlantic Branch E NY station and plus Bay Ridge branch extends to LIRR Main line and Hell gate bridge, so they can make a junction on the LIRR main.

[@edwincancelii2917]

Even though I don’t live in the N.Y.C. area anymore, I love progress.

[@michaelmorales1475]

I Like It, Most of The People complaining probably live in Staten Island, Manhattan, or are Ex-New Yorkers lol.

[@nicolasmonty3692]

Some homeowners in those areas may also complain since they want to keep their yard. To be honest, if I owned a home and the IR goes near our yard I will be a little hesitant of reisistant to this proposal

[@ognjensijak989]

It's great because it connects a lot of lines together which makes it easier for people to change lines and all the boroughs deserve to have good transit!

[@MJofLakelandX]

If they ever do this... it would be the smartest project MTA has ever undertaken. This needs to be done ASAP. Can't believe someone actually had the wherewithal to propose this line

[@MysticTransit]

Seems like a lot of new transit projects have been moving forward/getting proposed since Hochul took office. Gateway SAS Phase 2 Canceling the LGA Airtrain (Port Authority looking into Subway options now) Penn Station Access & the Interborough Express

[@robotx9285]

Screw the lG AirTraim. I saw the a point to the JFK one. The IG one was gonna be dead on arrival.

[@MJofLakelandX]

@@MysticTransit BTW, on the other videos, what mapping editor do you use?... Is it NAVTEQ(?)

[@de-fault_de-fault]

Reusing existing rights of way is a smart way to fill in gaps and improve connectivity, and this does both. If you think no one is making these trips now, it’s because people are having to use cars or (multiple) buses to do it. The trips this line will carry are already happening on other modes and they will be way easier once it opens.

[@coolboss999]

If this does actually come to fruition, I really hope they extend it to the Bronx.

[@jaydottt_transitfanner]

yeah the Bronx needs more lines

[@MysticTransit]

I hope so as well. It could connect up with the Hell Gate Line, and Metro North trains could run all the way from the bronx, into Brooklyn.

[@kenw7287]

It's gonna be really hard man. The Hell Gate Bridge only has 3 tracks right now. One of them is used by Conrail for freight, and the other 2 are used by Amtrak for intercity/long distance trains. The bridge is already at capacity, and that is not counting Penn Station Access from the New Haven Line. You would have to rebuild the bridge to have more tracks. I think that is why the MTA won't be extending the line to the Bronx right now.

[@coolboss999]

@@kenw7287 So they could build an entirely new bridge for use of it by itself or like you said, renovate the current bridge but I think renovating the current bridge would cost more than making a new one

[@kenjiharima23nep91]

@@MysticTransit then there gonna have to make a junction to brooklyn Atlantic term.

[@Shuotography]

3:49 If I remember correctly, some portions of the right of way of the A train in Queens used to be used by the LIRR. So it's definitely not impossible to convert a freight rail line into a subway/rapid transit line. 16:33 If they're proposing a station on Randall's island, then I suspect maybe they're going to make this line follow roughly the right of way for Amtrak. I do think this line is a great idea though, as most major rapid transit networks around the world usually feature one if not several loop or partial loop lines that allows people to get around between multiple outlaying areas of a city and near suburbs without having to travel into the city center. The city is already enough of a choke point as is. Hypothetically, if we can extend the northern end of this line into the Bronx, I suspect it would be even better. Also I suspect this line would work out better if it aligned in a east-west direction in the Bronx should it be built up there, because this would allow it to better interchange with the preexisting lines.

[@MysticTransit]

Yeah, most of this line uses LIRR-owned tracks, and if it were to be extended up to the Bronx, it could be interlined with the New Haven Line's PSA branch, allowing for some easy transfers.

[@Railoffroader2]

It’s not impossible to convert railroad/freight tracks to rapid transit as they did with the A Line, however, this line still has active freight service.

[@ScienceKnight]

Finally, we can go to concerts without hassling Ubers, shuttle busses, or crossing the RFK bridge after a festival.

[@qjtvaddict]

No need it’s better to do it London overground style

[@OneKnifeYeHand]

@@Railoffroader2 They could run those freight trains overnight, when subway service has reduced headways.

[@marcosandoval6175]

i like a lot of your videos, late, but you now have my subscription

[@GaZaY0UTHchris]

Yeah going between Jamaica and Coney Island is a pain. I can definitely see this working great in cutting the travel times between Queens and Bklyn. I always brag about being able to go anywhere in NYC by just hoping on the train and this'll definitely see a lot of ridership if it goes through.

[@qjtvaddict]

Won’t frequent LIRR Atlantic branch service and fare integration make this trip fast and easy even without the inter borough line

[@BobFrTube]

It's more than half a century since I lived on Van Siclen Ave block from the New Lots line and this is exciting. ;)

[@Fidel_cashflo]

Love your channel my brother.

[@MysticTransit]

Glad to hear it

[@sebi01200]

From what I heard it will most likely be a Rapid Transit line in the form of a Subway Line or its own railroad (something like the SIR where its a railroad using Rapid Transit Rolling Stock) and freight will continue to run along the line.

[@MysticTransit]

I'd like to see it as a Commuter Railway Line. Maybe something similar to the SIR, however, with more capacity.

[@nunyabusiness1489]

Yeah it doesn't connect to any major destinations but you can CREATE the destinations... with the RX, the area around Broadway Junction and along Roosevelt Ave between 62nd and 74th would be the PERFECT places to change zoning to allow new office towers, they both have LIRR stations, tons of subway connections, and with the RX would be within a 2 seat ride of all of Brooklyn and Queens... and SO MANY people in the outer Boroughs would have way shorter commutes from not having to take the 20/30/40 minute subway ride all the way into Manhattan.

[@MysticTransit]

Exactly. With this new line, there could be tons of transit oriented development around it in these sections of Queens/Brooklyn.

[@kinggadm1234]

Great way to mess up residential neighborhoods and price even more people out.

[@paulkennedy8701]

One of the biggest challenges would be constructing platforms for the line where it passes Broadway Junction in tunnel. (The line is single track through the tunnel, but google streetview from Liberty Ave shows what may be other tunnel mouths beside the one with the track.) It doesn't look like it would be too deep at that point, probably crossing just below the underground platforms of the A and C lines. The best option would probably be to excavate a big pit around the tunnel and construct the station in it. There s (as you hint at) a lot of underutilised land there. Basically the whole area west of the J/Z and L elevated platforms between Eastern Pkwy and Fulton St as far as Sackman St could be used to build a new station, with better connections between the underground and elevated platforms. And the land could be used for a big transit-oriented development.

[@kiddream5749]

The travel time is gonna be amazing

[@Loserplatz]

I always wondered what would happen if the MTA tied together the subways in the outer boros. It would also reduce transit deserts, probably further develop the neighborhoods it goes through.

[@ChrisMuldoon]

I still don't understand what it is exactly but this reminds me of London overground. Maybe slightly less frequent then regular Subway and using pre-existing infrastructure

[@adawkins5678]

This sounds awesome! And makes complete sense to connect these 2 boroughs like this. I live in queens currently (on the 7 line) and sometimes getting to Brooklyn is a pain in the rear! Having to go all the way to Manhattan just to get to Brooklyn is dumb and unnecessary 😂 bring on the the IBX!

[@sfdko3291]

Can you imagine? I'll finally be able to go to Coney Island without making an entire loop around Brooklyn or Manhattan. Crazy

[@DanSolo871]

They should plan the full TriboroRX proposal as the completed project. QueensLink seems to be a more logical plan to start first but at the end of the day, the state just needs to get these projects rolling.

[@VetGamer718]

I used to hate that I had to goto Manhattan just to get to Queens or take a bunch of busses and take half my life to get there. This is a great idea. To bad I moved out of NYC but I miss home

[@StefanMetze]

Perhaps this new connection would be the best way and chance to connect Laguardia Airport to the MTA Subway system....as an elevated railway along the highway at the northern end of the line.

[@MysticTransit]

I'm not sure if it would be too good of an idea to extend this line to LGA. I think a line that's already connected into Manhattan should be extended up there, since that's where a lot of the tourists, and regular people will be going after reaching NYC. Rather than having passengers pack this new line right at the beginning, only to crowd another at Jackson Heights, the N/W could be extended, and would provide a one seat ride into the city.

[@davidsfuntime1652]

I saw a map somewhere that had it going to Staten Island and 3rd av 149st on the 2/5. Both would be terminals for the line. I also think that the Mta should send the 2/5 down one more stop to meet up with it in Brooklyn.

[@TomSavarese1]

Looks like a good idea. I only remember the GG local way back when that connected Brooklyn and Queens.

[@djdizzi4299]

This had to be the best thing I’ve heard in so long

[@trumpsupporter7772]

I note your reference to the London Overground. One of the problems it faces is sharing its lines with freight trains. The North London Line section and the Gospel Oak - Barking branch, which are two track railways, simply do not have enough paths for the number of passenger trains needed, which results in overcrowding, or for the number of freight trains that want to use these lines. The Gospel Oak - Barking line runs only every 15 minutes and for much of the day is overcrowded because no more passenger trains can be run. Delays are also caused by flat junctions used for getting onto and off of it as the relatively slow freight services only use parts of the line. Realistically if there is to be an Interborough Express then it will need to be four tracked to separate passenger and freight trains with grade separated junctions to avoid conflicts and capacity constraints and this will cost a lot of money!

[@MysticTransit]

It would cost a lot of money, however, I feel like this line is in a better position, since it sees much less freight traffic than the London Overground Lines.

[@ravib81]

Great idea

[@koga115]

I'm all for this! The Bay Ridge branch been just sitting there really. I feel it would be better used as a commuter rail

[@MysticTransit]

I agree.

[@F40PH-2CAT]

Its not just sitting there. It is an active and well used freight route.

[@koga115]

@@F40PH-2CAT I'm aware, should've worded it better. I more meant it could be used as a passenger rail too. It's active, but not much. A train passes by, maybe... 2 or 3 times a day? Maybe less? At least from what I see. I live near it.

[@Moonflowers11]

This is a great idea. I grew up in Queens and never went to any other borough than Manhattan because there is no way to easily get there. With all the great things going on in Brooklyn with the Barclay Center, BAM and museums I would have loved to have this when I was younger.

[@yomtobgrazi5746]

Brooklyn Army Terminal is near where the tracks end. I think that it would used the existing tracks near the L line

[@saintt9838]

I live in the BX and ill still find this enjoyable not having to go solely into Manhattan all the time just to switch it up would be dope. Ill catch a bus to Queens from the X and so on.

[@jerryblayzehandballvideos1428]

This new line honestly looks amazingly interesting. There is a freight track just sitting unused so it's possible they want to utilize and rebuild the track to put it back into use instead of scrapping it

[@fnyquist8779]

Something like the London Overground would be ideal probably. Which also mostly converted old rail lines outside the center and became a great success. Frequent service every 4-5 minutes most of the day, fare integration with the subway and trains that are more like subway ones but not necessarily the same. Probably legally still a commuter line but run very differently and different trains than the American norm.

[@MysticTransit]

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't know if 4-5 minute headways would work on this line, but I can definitely see 8-12 min headways during peak times.

[@fnyquist8779]

@@MysticTransit yeah if if you’re still gonna have any freight at all 4-5 is a bit optimistic

[@qjtvaddict]

The American norm is garbage and should be adandoned

[@AlexCab_49]

It'll probably take 50 years to complete. But honestly at least you New Yorkers have (for US standards) excellent transit while here in LA we only have buses that have headways of 20-60 minutes (although transit in Central LA is decent) and only 2 subways with several tram lines.

[@arturoatoyan895]

Making a train line that connects Brooklyn and Queens only, has been a looooong overdue. Personally I think they should have just made a new line that starts from Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, and go all the way up to Jamaica Center. Now that is an interesting project.

[@avace917]

That's great. Definitely needed.

[@avace917]

I don't live out that way. I've always lived in Manhattan but just by looking at the map, I always thought they needed something to make that specific trek easier.

[@BlimpCityFeeder]

Supposed to end at Brooklyn Army Terminal around 2 Ave & 59th St. Definitely would help those save time from Coney Island to Canarsie, Lefferts Blvd or Jamaica Center vs xfer at Jay St. Not likely this IBX will be a popular as the (L) with no Express tracks, 10-15 minute midday headways could work. Far Rockaway (A) to Rockaway Blvd is 15-20 mins midday on average.

[@thaIllYankee]

This plan represents what the NYC MTA is supposed to look like in the 21st Century! In the future, it should expand into S.I., connect with PATH & look to service other mass transit "deserts" along the Queens/L.I. border like some sort of 7 train extension into Bayside or A train extension into Springfield Gardens. I don't understand how anyone can oppose those when there's an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of NYC ASAP (the toll for cars south of 96St come to mind)! Also of note re: having to travel through Manhattan when commuting between Brooklyn & Queens: Sometimes those train lines aren't available on the weekend due to repairs/upgrades. In those instances, it takes just as long to use 2 to 3 buses to get to where you're going than it does when using Manhattan-bound trains...unless you have at least $50 to Uber/Lyft you to your destination! This plan is needed because the cost of maintaining a car + home will always be high; great video!!!

[@naseemb.7292]

This is a beautiful idea...I can't wait till this line is officially finished. The only flaw I see in this though is that it should run as a subway line...and not as part of the commuter rail system.

[@FGH9G]

Petition to have the Throg's Neck Bridge and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge have mass transit sections/decks so you can take a subway from Queens directly to the Bronx and vice versa. That would be absolutely game changing.

[@MysticTransit]

That also would be impossible. The bridges were constructed AGAINST transit. You can thank Robert Moses for that.

[@FGH9G]

@@MysticTransit Yup, daily reminder to pay your daily fuck yous to Robert Moses hehe

[@maknyc1539]

hopefully this will only take a year or 2 since all they need to do is build a few above ground stations maybe they can make the station into a transit oriented development too

[@jamesparson]

It will take 15 to 20 years

[@kaygetsbusy]

Nah they have to build some tracks too cause by the L line it's supposed to be 3 tracks but it's only 1

[@rockyrockafella8527]

And maybe have to electrify the tracks.

[@paulkennedy8701]

@@kaygetsbusy And build underground platforms at Broadway Junction. (Do you know how many tunnels run under there? Are there ones they could use, or would they have to dig more?)

[@kaygetsbusy]

@@paulkennedy8701 it's 3

[@ericbrown7788]

I been long waiting for them to use this tracks. I Google Earth this years ago an long seen how this track line runs through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx an even up towards Yonkers..

[@toters2724]

this gives me London Overground vibes this could get some further expansions, similar to what the Overground has currently, like an extension to the Bronx using the rest of the tracks with branches to Yankee Stadium, Pelham Bay Park and Baychester.

[@MysticTransit]

I also wish we could get further expansions, however, let's take what we can get for now.

[@paulmckinney6163]

Excellent presentation and research.

[@MysticTransit]

Glad you liked it!

[@edwardmiessner6502]

This line should definitely be built as the first stage of the Triborough Line from Co-op City to Staten Island where it can take over the SIRT. Although I live nowhere near New York City I've visited it a few times and once stayed at Greenpoint in Brooklyn (or Queens I forget which) and getting out there from Penn Station took a long time

[@anotherview9604]

This is the old but still in use NY Connecting Railroad that connects the Hell Gate Bridge to Penn Station and Fresh Ponds Jct. From Fresh Ponds to the 65th St Brooklyn terminal it is on LIRR trackage. The LIRR used to run passenger service on it from Queens to Brighton Beach and Coney Island so it looks like it getting a chance at passenger service. In order to make it more of a high speed service, it would have to be a commuter rail operation running off 750 VDC otherwise you'd be crawling along the route at 40 mph in a subway car.

[@melissa19591]

It's a wonderful idea, but a lot of work and money. The tracks south of Metropolitan ave. are the tracks to the NYA's Fresh Pond yard, which is a busy freight yard. The L pops out from underground right next to and parallel to the south end of the yard. Further south, there is a tunnel that emerges in Bushwick. I could be wrong but it doesn't look very wide. I don't know how they get around that. From Bushwick to Bay Ridge, the line goes over several single-track trestles over busy streets, and then through another NYA yard. There's a lot of infrastructure and right-of-way issues to get around, not to mention a conversion to electricity and widening of the right of way. If they go with light rail, then station expense would be mitigated, but it's still a very expensive project. I do love it, though.

[@melissa19591]

The good thing about the freight line is that it only handles two trains a day, one in each direction on the single track. North of Fresh Pond yard, it gets a little more dicey. The track is used by CSX to deliver and pick up from a yard in the Bronx. The Amtrak Acela then joins the party north of Queens blvd, I think.

[@TrickyPchester0948]

Y'know I'm pretty hyped about this I was hoping for the T but someone said it was coming on another phase so I'm fine one way or another

[@Posttrip]

I like this idea. I would like to see both a rapid transit and commuter rail along this corridor. You can’t have them using the same tracks, by regulation, so a parallel right of way would be necessary. The commuter rail line would connect to the Hell Gate Bridge that could open service to White Plains and Stamford, respectively.

[@stefanochiodi8800]

5:33 The bay ridge branch runs below the L train. That is why its platform is so high. It would likely bypass all L stops until Bway Jct where it will split and stop at Brooklyn College.

[@michaelomalley3141]

Fantasic video, as always! What is the app your using? It looks amazing

[@lechetphillips7502]

IIRC there is already a bellmouth leading to Staten Island from the 4th Ave line. That most likely could be used since it’s at 65th Street (I believe) @ the Bklyn Army Term. As far as actual destinations goes, LaGuardia Airport would be a natural extension and also circumvent the NIMBY’s in that area of Queens. It could extend into the Bronx as well - I remember talk years ago about bringing it to Yankee Stadium or following the Metro North ROW. A nice project but it will be interesting to see where Gov Hochul gets the money to make it happen.

[@stegowolf]

Finally!! Excellent use for this already existing yet highly underused ROW!! Peeps have been suggesting this forever now!! I no longer Live in NYC, but I can Absolutely say that when I lived there back in the 80s, even then a trip from Bensonhurst to Ozone Park via Subway was a PITA!! This would be Excellent to have!! Next to the L line near Wilson Ave the Bay Ridge branch and the Subway lines are separated by 3 stories, so there wouldn't be any crossing of lines there. You're right in wondering what rolling stock they would use, as it would also reactivate several abandoned stations along that line

[@MysticTransit]

Oh, I didn't know the lines were separated, I'm not too familiar with the (L) Line, and this Branch.

[@jonathanblair5255]

Much more costly to change it to subway/above ground. Making it a commuter rail could use existing rail, though, I’m sure if the gauge is the same.

[@ScienceKnight]

If it's commuter rail, then they better not charge more than $2.75 and there better be free transfers.

[@MysticTransit]

Lol, that's what I would expect.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

this would be an excellent help for mobility in the system if it was ever built

[@joshs5843]

The IBX doesn't include Astoria while the Triboro RX does. I wonder if that has to do with resistance from homeowners regarding the proposed LGA train. I also would not be surprised if both Middle Village and Maspeth resisted this too.

[@MysticTransit]

It might be cuz of that. If so, pretty smart.

[@petergrudge189]

I lived in Bay Ridge right by those freight rails for 24 years. It would be subway rolling stock, not commuter rolling stock that would be a waste. My father was a former MTA employee and his father before him and from the time I was a kid to the present I have followed the rolling stock technology and rail lines. Trust me, would not use commuter rail cars they would be a waste. They would most likely use displaced sets of cars with the R211 stock being delivered since this rail service would only make transfer stops to major lines. The option I like though is light rail a simple, quick in-out service. The video was great though, I enjoyed it and I subscribed too. You are right about the old mapping, a fun fact is that line was supposed to extend beyond 95th Street to take a water tunnel into Staten Island many years ago. But that was eventually canceled and that's why you only see the SIR in Staten Island🙂

[@MysticTransit]

I doubt it would be a Subway, but a Regional Rail Line instead. I disagree with the idea that it would be a waste, because there is the benefit of possible extensions along the NEC, or into Staten Island.

[@petergrudge189]

@@MysticTransit Oh! Dude! That didn't cross my mind though! How would they make the extension to SI? Maybe an expansion section somewhere on the Verazzano or any connecting highways around it? I want to hear your plan you opened a fun discussion🙂

[@vincentguzman7056]

The KZbin algorithm matched us. Where the hell has this channel been in my life?! 😂 #newyork

[@MysticTransit]

Lmao, I'm glad the algorithm did show you this.

[@carlo15111]

I think this could be a good as subway or commuter rail but another project to help supplement this is needed. A sort of outer connection line along the old Rockaway Beach Branch to give north queens better access to Jamaica Bay and JFK since LaGuardia is a locked in airport. This will give the G line massive relief valves, with both a commuter rail line and subway line, filling in gaps in the map at both the middle and more eastern sides of queens.

[@umangmalik]

an amazing idea. would really complete the system and reduce the overdependence on Manhattan