New York’s Interborough Express (IBX) will move into the next stage of development, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Board authorized a joint venture between Jacobs and HDR to oversee the next phase of the IBX – design and engineering. The move represents major progress for the project, which will connect communities in Brooklyn and Queens to the subway, bus and Long Island Rail Road, while reducing travel times between Brooklyn and Queens. In April, Hochul approved funding for the $2.75 billion project as part of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan.
“Building the Interborough Express will transform New York, connecting communities like never before, shortening commutes and unleashing the full potential of Brooklyn and Queens,” Hochul said. “The IBX is the sort of project that future generations will describe as a no-brainer, and thanks to funding we secured for the MTA’s Capital Plan, we’re not just talking about it – we’re getting it done.”
The project is slated to begin this summer with a focus on Light Rail System design. Once complete, the IBX will be a transit operation for close to 900,000 residents in the neighborhoods along the route, as well as with 260,000 people who work near the Brooklyn/Queens corridor, officials said. The project will create 19 stations and connect with 17 different subway lines and trains, as well as with 50 bus routes and two LIRR stations.
Officials estimate the annual ridership of the IBX will be 48 million total trips, higher than any other light rail across the United States.
“The IBX is a life-changer for millions,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “It’s about time Brooklyn and Queens residents could move directly between our two most populous boroughs – for jobs, education, recreation and everything else. I want to thank Governor Hochul and our partners in Albany and Washington for their support getting this project off the ground.”