Interborough Express

The Interborough Express is a transformative light rail transit project that will connect currently underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens. It will substantially cut down on travel times between the two boroughs, reduce congestion, and expand economic opportunities for the people who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The project will be built along the existing, LIRR-owned Bay Ridge Branch and CSX-owned Fremont Secondary, a 14-mile freight line that extends from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to Jackson Heights, Queens. It will create a new transit option for close to 900,000 residents of the neighborhoods along the route, along with 260,000 people who work in Brooklyn and Queens. It will connect with up to 17 different subway lines, as well as Long Island Rail Road, with end-to-end travel times anticipated at less than 32 minutes. Daily weekday ridership is estimated at 160,000.  

Using the existing rail infrastructure means the Interborough Express will be built more quickly and efficiently. It will also preserve the Bay Ridge Branch’s use as a freight line, providing an opportunity to connect to the Port Authority’s Cross-Harbor Freight Project.

After extensive planning, analysis, and public engagement, light rail was chosen because it will provide the best service for riders at the best value.

Pop-up events

Join the IBX team at pop-up events along the corridor at nearby bus stops, subway stations, parks, libraries, open streets, and neighborhood gatherings to provide feedback on the IBX design and learn more about the project. 

In case of inclement weather, events may be rescheduled. Please check this page for the latest before heading out to an event.

The IBX team is meeting with civic organizations and community groups throughout the corridor. To submit a meeting request for your organization, email us at IBXoutreach@mtacd.org.

Public workshops

The MTA hosted interactive in-person workshops about the proposed light rail connection between Brooklyn and Queens. Attendees shared priorities for stations and train design, heard project updates, asked questions, and enjoyed family-friendly activities.

We want to hear from you!

Help us shape the IBX. Take our survey to help inform the design of stations, areas around the stations, and the overall rider experience. 

Or submit a general comment or feedback at IBXoutreach@mtacd.org.

Hear from us

Sign up for the IBX mailing list to receive updates on the project. 

The design phase is expected to last about two years (2025-2027). During this phase, we will get a better understanding of the timing of future project phases, including construction. In parallel to the design work, we are also conducting the formal environmental review. A full analysis of potential impacts (e.g., noise, air quality, property) and mitigations will be identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which will be available for comment in fall 2026. There will be additional input opportunities in early 2027, once the draft preliminary design is released.

IBX is still many years away from operation, but the project is steadily moving forward. The exact construction timeline will depend on the design details that are currently being determined and funding availability.

Project updates

As project planning and design progresses, we continue to refine the IBX based on additional analysis and community input. Recent changes include:

• We shifted the Atlantic Avenue Station north, into the East New York tunnel, to facilitate transfers to the    at Broadway Junction
• Initial conceptual design included the IBX running along the street at Metropolitan Avenue. Based on community input, we are now prioritizing a tunneling approach beneath Metropolitan Avenue.
• We're evaluating the removal of the proposed Sutter Avenue station based on further analysis of projected transfers, station spacing, and transit performance.

• Governor Hochul Announces MTA to Commence Environmental Assessment of Interborough Express Project
• Governor Hochul Announces Interborough Express Advancing from Planning to Active Phase
• Statement of MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Major Transit Projects in State of the State Address
• Governor Hochul Announces Plans to Expand Major Transit Projects and Improve Roadway Safety
• Governor Hochul Announces MTA To Hold First In-Person Public Town Hall Meetings On Interborough Express
• Governor Hochul Releases Feasibility Report for the Interborough Express
• Governor Hochul Announces Plans to Move Forward With Major New Expansion of Transit Service in Brooklyn and Queens: The Interborough Express