May 9, 2016

Agenda
Challenges
Opportunities
Idea

Discussion

The Challenges
Dense Urban Area & Growing
405,000 people live and 296,000 people
work along corridor

Poor Transit Access

Too many residents live more than half-mile
from a subway

Missing Links
Poor North-South transit connections between
the many opportunities along the waterfront

Shift from Manhattan-Centric Connectivity

Job hubs, parks, academic institutions,

and cultural centers
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The Opportunity
Transit equity
Home to over 400,000 people, including 40,000
NYCHA residents across 13 developments
Transit oriented developments and street design
Encourages walkable neighborhoods and increased
access to employment and housing

Connection to job hubs

Continue to grow and connect to job hubs like LIC,

Cornell Tech, the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn Army Terminal, the working waterfront
and the Sunset Park Industrial cluster.

Increase transportation alternatives

- 10 ferry stops
- 30+ different bus routes
- 15+ different subway lines
- 100+ CitiBike stations
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The Idea
BQX has the potential to change the lives of
hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers
Mayor de Blasio, State of the City Address, February 2016

A modern, efficient, state-of-the-art transit

link to support the growing Brooklyn and
Queens waterfront
Improve connectivity through efficient,
reliable transit
Enhance economic development
Minimize impacts to traffic, parking
and utilities

Provide sustainable solutions that strengthen

the built and natural environment
Financially Feasible

Achieving Policy Goals

Calming traffic through safer streets
Vision Zero
Reimagines streetscapes to ensure that
the estimated 45,000-50,000 weekday
riders (15 million annually) at full build out
have safe, efficient and reliable
transportation options.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80%
by 2050 80x50
Investing in green infrastructure through
with quiet, emissions-free operations
Increases access to jobs OneNYC
Over $25 billion in economic impact to
New York City over the next thirty years
Approximately 28,000 construction jobs
over full build out

Timeline

Preliminary Cost Estimates

Preliminary capital cost: $2.5B
Funding sources
-

Capital funds generated through a new

entity able to issue bonds

Debt will be repaid by capturing a

percentage of increased real estate
value along the corridor

Operations & Maintenance: ~$30M/yr*

* Preliminary estimate to be refined during further analyses.

Learning From Different Systems

European Tram

Streetcar

Portland, OR

Croydon, London, UK

Light Rail in Exclusive Right of Way

Street-Running Light Rail

Norfolk, VA

Charlotte, NC

Learning From Other Cities

Portland

Opened in 2001

National model for successful transit-oriented development

Partly financed using value capture method

Strasbourg

6 lines, 34 tracks miles, 69 stations

300,000 daily users, largest in France

Significant off-wire operations

Transformation of city streets to accommodate exclusive

transit lanes

Toronto

67 miles

Largest system in North America

Well-developed standard operating procedures for

snow removal

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Imagine a Complete System

A fully realized transit system that avoids congestion improves quality of life

Frequently spaced stop interval:

30+ stops approximately mile apart
Reliable schedule: 5-10 min between
arrivals during peak hours

Modern streetcar vehicles can

carry twice as many
passengers than buses
Must maximize connectivity to
subway, ferries and buses

As much exclusive lane as possible

Fare pegged to MTA subway fare**

** Adjusted for inflation

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Advantages of a Streetcar
Good for Passengers
Dedicated right of way and signal priority improve speed
Level boarding enables easy, quick access
Comfortable, smooth ride
Flexible vehicle design supports larger passenger capacity

Good for Neighborhoods

Quiet and emissions free
Opportunity to reinvent streetscape

Proven ability to catalyze economic growth

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Lots to be Done: Detailed Analysis

What were studying

Potential routes

Type of vehicle

Type of power source

Alternatives

Resiliency

Phasing

Underground infrastructure

Bridge crossings

Maintenance & support facilities

Funding

Street functions & safety

Street cleaning
Garbage collection
Snow removal (plowing, salt corrosion)
Deliveries (commercial, fuel)
Emergency response
Truck routes
Construction
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Imagine The Future

Break out groups: Transportation Options
-

Transportation Usage

Streetscape Interaction

Break out groups will report back

Closing Remarks, Council Member Constantinides

Join the conversation

#BQX
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