Lawmakers: ‘Triboro Plan’ would make outer borough rail travel smoother

Lawmakers are trying to get the MTA to move ahead with a plan that would make moving around the outer boroughs by rail a smoother process.

News 12 Staff

Dec 19, 2019, 12:23 AM

Updated 1,583 days ago

Share:

Lawmakers are trying to get the MTA to move ahead with a plan that would make moving around the outer boroughs by rail a smoother process.
Bronx Assemblyman Michael Benedetto says he is supporting a proposal that would use 24 miles of already existing train tracks to connect commuters in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and possibly Staten Island without ever stopping in Manhattan.
The so-called "Triboro Plan" was developed by the nonprofit Regional Plan Association. It gained steam this summer when Brooklyn Assemblyman Latrice Walker drafted a bill asking the MTA to study the feasibility of using freight lines for passenger service as well. On Wednesday, some of her colleagues echoed her call to action.
In the fall, the MTA announced plans to look into whether to restore passenger trains to the Bay Ridge branch, which connects Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to Ridgewood, Queens.
An agency spokesperson told News 12, "We anticipate starting the study in the coming weeks. The focus of the study is on Brooklyn and Queens, but it will look to possible future extensions to the Bronx.”
The Regional Plan Association estimates the Triboro Plan in its entirety would initially serve 100,000 commuters each day and cost between $1 billion and $2 billion.
Advocating lawmakers are hoping to pass Walker's bill in Albany, as well as write a joint letter to the MTA, expressing their hopes that the agency gets on board with the Triboro Plan.
 


More from News 12
0:32
Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

2:04
Police arrest, charge suspect linked to fatal teen stabbing over parking dispute in Morris Heights

Police arrest, charge suspect linked to fatal teen stabbing over parking dispute in Morris Heights

1:43
Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

1:39
Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

0:37
Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

0:26
Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

1:54
Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

2:04
Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

1:53
Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

0:26
NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

0:24
Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

2:19
Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies