# NEW YORK I Interborough Express (IBX)

**URL:** <https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344>\
**Category:** Parks & Infrastructure\
**Created:** [December 22, 2014, 1:46pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344 "2014-12-22T13:46:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 4

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ramvid01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9dc877/32.png) [@ramvid01](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/ramvid01)\
**Post date:** [March 28, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/61 "2025-03-28T18:26:14Z")

</div>

I went to the open house in Ridgewood yesterday and it seems like the community was very supportive of the plan.

I do think its a bit crazy that it will take two years to get the engineering process to 30 percent as they stated in their presentation. I also heard 2035 being the target date for this (which also seems like too much?).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![baronson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/baronson/32/190290_2.png) [@baronson](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/baronson)\
**Post date:** [March 28, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/62 "2025-03-28T21:43:13Z")

</div>

Saw this posted on the /r/nycrail subreddit by u/R42ToMoffat:

Soooooo glad that they are going for a tunneling approach instead of running on the street. It was my biggest gripe with this project and I’m happy they listened to feedback.

 ![IMG_0591](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/yimby/original/3X/0/f/0f93d7dc0a1e2e1727c1c2284269e719a66dea20.jpeg)

[Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/nycrail/s/6j5BQY3ffU)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MarshallKnight](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/marshallknight/32/40545_2.png) [@MarshallKnight](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/MarshallKnight)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 4:48am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/63 "2025-03-29T04:48:44Z")

</div>

Oh thank God. As a frequent user of the Los Angeles Metro, I can attest how even a short street-running segment can effectively hobble an entire light rail line.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Waymond\_Womano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/waymond_womano/32/7078_2.png) [@Waymond\_Womano](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Waymond_Womano)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 11:14am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/64 "2025-03-29T11:14:01Z")

</div>

Will both of these stations be located underground?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/dior/32/164097_2.png) [@Dior](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Dior)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 3:35pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/65 "2025-03-29T15:35:31Z")

</div>

now with congestion pricing the MTA is finally being taken seriously

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ryan\_Al](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecc23a/32.png) [@Ryan\_Al](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Ryan_Al)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/66 "2025-03-29T17:42:23Z")

</div>

This is great stuff. I’m hoping now that they modify the Jackson Heights terminus to make it an easier transfer between IBX and subway

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BK1985](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eada6e/32.png) [@BK1985](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/BK1985)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 9:02pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/67 "2025-03-29T21:02:49Z")

</div>

Glad that they finally committed to doing the tunnel. It’s such a sigh of relief.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ALC11](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/alc11/32/81254_2.png) [@ALC11](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/ALC11)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 10:54pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/68 "2025-03-29T22:54:27Z")

</div>

The best thing about a tunnel is that depending on the tunnel loading gauge, they could potentially fit A-Division subway cars (Numbered Routes) through it or even the B-Division (Lettered Routes) depending on the dimensions and the line could be converted to the proper subway if they wanted to go that route in the future.

Street running would have prevented the IBX from ever being converted to a subway and would put trains at the mercy of street traffic.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Waymond\_Womano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/waymond_womano/32/7078_2.png) [@Waymond\_Womano](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Waymond_Womano)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 1:55am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/69 "2025-06-18T01:55:05Z")

</div>

Fantasy maps:

> **[IBX North: A Bridge to Harlem and LGA – vanshnookenraggen](https://www.vanshnookenraggen.com/_index/2025/06/ibx-north-a-bridge-to-harlem-and-lga/)**

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/yimby/original/3X/9/3/936b2763fc2809019c20499ca6b1e7eeb246c3f7.jpeg)

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/yimby/original/3X/9/6/962e20b7d3e57f431c6accd38c0cd8479a5440c1.jpeg)

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/yimby/original/3X/a/4/a461582f6b5e78be6f2c0b1f17145fea55399001.jpeg)

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/yimby/original/3X/b/9/b95cbf00e2117f64cb553fd30c87ab6cb3456d7e.jpeg)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rangerparks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ea924/32.png) [@Rangerparks](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Rangerparks)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 4:02am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/70 "2025-06-18T04:02:47Z")

</div>

IBX not connecting to the Bronx is crazy. If there’s one thing to spend a lot of money on, its this. AT THE LEAST, connect it to Laguardia

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![EWR787](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/ewr787/32/184295_2.png) [@EWR787](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/EWR787)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 12:32pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/71 "2025-06-18T12:32:38Z")

</div>

I love the bridge idea but forget about Manhattan and instead run it into the Bronx (no tunnels). Also, the bridge should be able to support both IBX and freight trains. Moving freight trains off the Hells Gate Bridge to a new bridge creates more room for Amtrak and Metro North.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/dior/32/164097_2.png) [@Dior](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Dior)\
**Post date:** [June 19, 2025, 3:28pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/72 "2025-06-19T15:28:32Z")

</div>

NYC needs to continue building bridges and tunnels. we need them for transit, and the longer we dont, the more expensive and necessary they are. our system is a joke compared to other developed cities.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![stache](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/stache/32/30186_2.png) [@stache](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/stache)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/73 "2025-06-20T14:24:25Z")

</div>

Not really. Worn out yes.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Waymond\_Womano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/waymond_womano/32/7078_2.png) [@Waymond\_Womano](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Waymond_Womano)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/74 "2025-06-29T20:10:17Z")

</div>

> **[A New Rail Line May Come to New York. Will a Housing Boom Follow?](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/nyregion/nyc-brooklyn-queens-train-housing.html)**
>
> The Interborough Express, a rail line connecting Brooklyn and Queens, could spur the building of tens of thousands of homes. Obstacles await.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Waymond\_Womano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/waymond_womano/32/7078_2.png) [@Waymond\_Womano](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Waymond_Womano)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2025, 1:15am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/75 "2025-08-02T01:15:18Z")

</div>

> **[MTA awards $166M design contract for Interborough Express](https://www.6sqft.com/mta-awards-166m-design-contract-for-interborough-express/)**
>
> The MTA awarded a contract to begin the Interborough Express preliminary design, including surveys, investigations, and inspections to advance the project.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![baronson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/baronson/32/190290_2.png) [@baronson](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/baronson)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/76 "2025-08-02T01:21:12Z")

</div>

> The project has undergone further refinement to ensure that it will provide the best service for passengers for the best value. In Middle Village, Queens, the MTA is progressing with the design of a tunnel solution beneath Metropolitan Avenue, rather than on-street operations, making the proposed line less prone to travel delays due to mixed traffic operations. This refinement has reduced projected running times of the new line from **39 minutes to 32 minutes** and has increased ridership projections to 160,000 per day, up 50,000 from the MTA’s prior estimate. IBX’s projected annual ridership is higher than the current ridership of any other light rail system in the country at 48 million riders — the next largest is Los Angeles at 46 million riders per year.

[Source](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-interborough-express-advancing-planning-active-phase)

This seems incredibly fast and would mean speeds comparable to the subway, no?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mcart](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/mcart/32/84718_2.png) [@mcart](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/mcart)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2025, 2:36am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/77 "2025-08-02T02:36:11Z")

</div>

Up 50,000 a day is crazy. Why were they even considering the other option?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/dior/32/164097_2.png) [@Dior](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Dior)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/78 "2025-08-02T15:06:19Z")

</div>

should just be heavy rail idc

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ramvid01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9dc877/32.png) [@ramvid01](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/ramvid01)\
**Post date:** [August 3, 2025, 4:25am UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/79 "2025-08-03T04:25:04Z")

</div>

I honestly think they don’t realize how transformative this project is. Right now there are people who just don’t travel between the two boroughs because it is just too much of a hassle. This will make it way easier.

Just look at this past week with the trains going down at W 4th. This line would have served as an alternative to get to other lines to get to Manhattan.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.newyorkyimby.com/dior/32/164097_2.png) [@Dior](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/u/Dior)\
**Post date:** [August 3, 2025, 3:29pm UTC](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344/80 "2025-08-03T15:29:23Z")

</div>

hoping they change their minds because honestly I feel like light rail is removing the idea of future proofing this project

[Previous page](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344.md?page=3)

[Next page](https://forum.newyorkyimby.com/t/new-york-i-interborough-express-ibx/1344.md?page=5)
