Largest Expansion of Transit in New York City in Decades; First New Rail Line Since World War II
Public Workshops to Take Place Throughout the Spring in Queens and Brooklyn
View Drone Footage of the Future IBX Route, a Project Update Video, and Photos of the Route
Read More About the IBX Project
In celebration of Earth Day, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the next phase of public outreach for the Interborough Express (IBX) light rail project, the largest transit expansion project undertaken by the Authority in over 50 years, and the first entirely new rail line since World War II.
By using public transportation, subway, bus and commuter rail riders save at least 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from being pumped into the atmosphere each year. Over 160,000 daily riders are expected to use the IBX, translating to roughly 72,000 fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in passenger cars per day, or 21.8 million less per year. This will result in faster buses and a more connected city, and more than 13,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided annually.
The transportation sector, mostly powered by fossil fuels, is the largest single source of emissions in the United States, accounting for 28% of all national greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Over half of these emissions come from passenger cars and trucks.
The MTA will host a series of interactive public workshops throughout this spring where community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the IBX project and share their thoughts.
“Nearly one million New Yorkers live along the proposed IBX route, many of whom feel they need a private car for interborough travel,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “On this Earth Day, we want to make sure these folks know that soon there will be a better, faster and more climate-friendly way to travel between Brooklyn and Queens. The upcoming public workshops are an important step in reaching them as we continue to advance the IBX.”
“The Interborough Express will be life-changing for residents in the two largest and fastest-growing boroughs in New York City,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “Feedback from our neighbors in Brooklyn and Queens will help make sure this project delivers the improvements that communities want and deserve, like cleaner air and less traffic on their streets.”
Once completed, the IBX will complement a robust, fast and sustainable transit system that provides New Yorkers with a cleaner, greener way to travel and enjoy their city.
IBX public workshop attendees will be able to participate in family-friendly interactive activities, engage directly with the IBX project team, and share feedback on station and train design. MTA representatives will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss comments and concerns. The MTA will hold public workshops on the following dates and locations:
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – P.S. 7Q
Queens: 80-55 Cornish Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373
- Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Christ the King High School
Queens: 68-02 Metropolitan Ave, Middle Village, NY 11379
- Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – PS 235K
Brooklyn: 5811 Ditmas Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Maimonides Medical Center
Brooklyn: 4802 10th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219
- Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – PS 88Q
Queens: 60-85 Catalpa Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385
- Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – East New York Arts and Civic High School
Brooklyn: 800 Van Siclen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207
This continues the MTA’s extensive outreach campaign, adding to the more than 50 project meetings already held with elected officials, stakeholders, and the public. Since 2022, the MTA has held dozens of in-person open house meetings, pop-up events and environmental review scoping meetings with the public.
About the Interborough Express
The IBX will connect communities in Brooklyn and Queens to 17 subway lines, 51 current bus routes, the Long Island Rail Road, as well as significantly reduce travel times within and between the two boroughs. Over 160,000 riders are expected to use the line each weekday. In October of 2025, the MTA awarded a contract to begin the design phase of the IBX, which is expected to take approximately two years.