NY MTA Interborough Express Proposal

[jis]

Here is the Interim Report on the Interborough Express proposal that NY Governor Hochul has been pushing, produced by AECOM for MTA. It is a PDF documrnt:

Interborough Express Feasibility Study and Alternative Analysis - Interim Report

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

I thought I saw something about this the other day (was it the unused rail corridors being reactivated thread?). Haven't read it through, but it looks on a quick skim like they aren't proposed using subway equipment (or is that under the heavy rail rubrik?) but something akin to LIRR cars. The basic idea seems sensible however - hopefully some action happens with this.

 

[jis]

I thought I saw something about this the other day (was it the unused rail corridors being reactivated thread?). Haven't read it through, but it looks on a quick skim like they aren't proposed using subway equipment (or is that under the heavy rail rubrik?) but something akin to LIRR cars. The basic idea seems sensible however - hopefully some action happens with this.

Heavy Rail by definition is subway, but this will be trackage shared with occasional freight so it will be under FRA jurisdiction (including FRA buff strength requirements) but with frequent service, so more like LIRR (Commuter Rail) than Subway in that respect.

 

[joelkfla]

I thought I saw something about this the other day (was it the unused rail corridors being reactivated thread?). Haven't read it through, but it looks on a quick skim like they aren't proposed using subway equipment (or is that under the heavy rail rubrik?) but something akin to LIRR cars. The basic idea seems sensible however - hopefully some action happens with this.

The conventional rail proposal uses subway-like cars with some sort of external propulsion. I didn't catch whether they were limiting it to diesel or including electric.

There's a separate proposal going around to rebuild the old LIRR Far Rockaway branch from Rego Park to Howard Beach. That's going under the moniker QueensLink. Don't confuse the two. While they originate close to each other, the QueensLink proposal runs along a more easterly route, serving different neighborhoods.

 

[neroden]

The conventional rail proposal uses subway-like cars with some sort of external propulsion. I didn't catch whether they were limiting it to diesel or including electric.

The "conventional rail" proposal is explicitly limited to third-rail electric (LIRR-style).

 

[joelkfla]

The "conventional rail" proposal is explicitly limited to third-rail electric (LIRR-style).

Thanks for the clarification. Since they said the interior & door configuration will be more like a subway car, I guess the main difference from a subway is that they'll meet FRA standards. I suppose that would include PTC?

 

[AmtrakMaineiac]

I just hope they don't go with BRT. This needs a proper system, preferably heavy rail. It would be a bit like London's Overground a hybrid between subway and commuter rail. Given the importance of transfers between it and the existing subways, it needs to be integrated into the fare system, not requiring a separate fare like LIRR does now.

 

[jis]

Transit Line Connecting Brooklyn and Queens Moves Step Closer to Reality

A new 14-mile transit line, which would not run into Manhattan, would fill a significant gap in New York’s transportation system.

www.nytimes.com

 

[neroden]

Thanks for the clarification. Since they said the interior & door configuration will be more like a subway car, I guess the main difference from a subway is that they'll meet FRA standards. I suppose that would include PTC?

Yep, pretty much! In addition to FRA standards, the other difference from a subway is that it would be Railway Labor Act employment.