
BQX Streetcar Line Gets Green Light from City
The proposed Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX) streetcar project is moving ahead, following the completion of a two-year feasibility study. When fully built, the BQX will connect Astoria, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Downtown Brooklyn, and Red Hook.
“The Brooklyn-Queens waterfront has experienced incredible growth,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now it’s time for our transit system to catch up. The BQX is one of the biggest, most ambitious projects in a generation.”
Construction and implementation of the streetcar is estimated to cost $2.73 billion. The city will seek federal funding, among other sources. First-year ridership is expected to be 50,000 per day.
Before construction begins, though, environmental review will be undertaken, followed by the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Process, which is expected to begin in 2020. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2029.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Paul Bubny