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 1,591 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
0:22
Officials: Norwalk man drove off the road and landed in the Five Mile River in Darien

Officials: Norwalk man drove off the road and landed in the Five Mile River in Darien

1:45
Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds in Connecticut

Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds in Connecticut

1:40
Danbury Hospital employees demand fair contract as rallies continue

Danbury Hospital employees demand fair contract as rallies continue

0:41
'Walk A Mile in Her Shoes' in Fairfield raises awareness about sexual and domestic violence

'Walk A Mile in Her Shoes' in Fairfield raises awareness about sexual and domestic violence

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:24
Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack