New York City is making bold moves to reinvent how residents move across boroughs—without setting foot in Manhattan. The much-anticipated Interborough Express, or IBX, is on track to become a game-changer in NYC transit. This 14-mile light rail project will provide a direct connection between Brooklyn and Queens, transforming the daily commutes of thousands and offering long-overdue relief to underserved areas.
Unlike most MTA expansions that center on Manhattan, the IBX prioritizes outer-borough neighborhoods that have historically been transit deserts. The route will stretch from Bay Ridge in Brooklyn to Jackson Heights in Queens, using an existing freight rail corridor. With 19 proposed stops, the IBX will make it possible to travel from end to end in about 40 minutes.
The new rail line is designed with smart connections in mind. It will link up with as many as 17 different subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road, offering commuters smoother access to key parts of the city. The MTA projects daily ridership could reach 115,000 once the IBX is fully operational.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about equity. The neighborhoods along the proposed line are home to more than 900,000 residents and over 260,000 workers. Many of these communities are largely transit-dependent and have long suffered from limited access to reliable transportation. Planners believe that the IBX will offer faster commutes and boost economic opportunities in areas that need it most.
Governor Kathy Hochul has been one of the most vocal champions of the Interborough Express. Since early 2022, the project has gone through feasibility studies, environmental reviews, and a careful analysis of different transit options. Light rail was ultimately chosen over subway or bus rapid transit due to its lower cost and ability to coexist with freight trains already using the corridor.
The current timeline has the project in its design and environmental study phase through 2029, with the possibility of construction beginning shortly after. Full service could realistically launch by the early 2030s—ambitious, yes, but not out of reach. The project has already secured $52 million in state funding and $15 million in federal grants, with an overall projected cost of $5.5 billion.
One of the engineering challenges ahead will be ensuring that passenger trains can safely and efficiently share space with freight lines. This includes managing tricky stretches like the one near All Faiths Cemetery, where the rail line may drop to street level. Additionally, some areas along the route will need new or refurbished stations, while accessibility and safety remain top priorities.
Public input has been an integral part of the planning process. Open houses in neighborhoods like Canarsie, Borough Park, and Ridgewood have helped shape the project and address community concerns. The MTA and local leaders are emphasizing transparency and engagement as momentum builds.
The Interborough Express has the potential to reshape the way New Yorkers think about cross-borough travel. Rather than continuing to funnel everyone through midtown Manhattan, this project signals a commitment to smarter, more equitable urban planning.
From improving access to jobs and healthcare to supporting local businesses, the benefits of IBX extend well beyond shorter travel times. If successful, it could inspire similar projects in other parts of the city and serve as a national model for modern transit that centers on community need.
