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“New York’s civic and business leaders remain pessimistic about relying on the federal government’s support to bring the IBX to life; this is exactly the moment we need commitment from this Congress.”
We learned Tuesday evening that the Democrats will take control of the U.S. House and Senate. And it appears leaders of both chambers will be not only New Yorkers but Brooklynites—at no other time in U.S. history have both chambers been led by New Yorkers.
As a rent-stabilized Queens resident and member of Queens Community Board 5, I am calling on this new federal government to make an unwavering and comprehensive commitment to the construction of the Interborough Express (IBX). Strong federal support is the last remaining key to building the IBX. Our city cannot miss this opportunity.
The IBX is perhaps the most significant American public transit project in generations, establishing a new, non-Manhattan-oriented spine connecting the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights, Queens. This corridor would serve 160,000-plus weekday riders and connect nearly 1 million residents across some of the most transit-starved neighborhoods in New York City. Notably, my neighborhood may stand to benefit the most: bringing our district three to four new rail stations with connections to 16 more subway lines, up from our current one, the M train.
This new Congress comes at the heels of the draft environmental impact statement’s (DEIS) publication, a make-or-break moment for the IBX. Simultaneously, New York’s civic and business leaders remain pessimistic about relying on the federal government’s support to bring the IBX to life; this is exactly the moment we need commitment from this Congress.
New York now has the leverage to steward a century-long vision through the next two years of solvable engineering challenges, financial hurdles, and bureaucratic speed bumps with executive dedication and robust public collaboration. During this crucial phase, this Congress can show both New Yorkers and Americans what a serious government can do: deliver modern marvels that materially improve all of our lives, something generations past regularly enjoyed.
This leadership must take several forms.
First, it must courageously fund the IBX. New Yorkers cannot afford delays due to MTA funding deficits, and the federal government must readily fill in gaps should they arrive. Simply put, we must secure bigger checks from this government. We deserve the investment.
Although we are working toward 50 percent federal support for the IBX through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program, these grants can cover up to 60 percent. An extra 10 percent, roughly $550 million, offers capital flexibility the MTA can direct quicker as the project progresses.
Similarly, mechanisms like the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act’s low-interest loans, greater congestion mitigation and air quality (CMAQ) grants, and expanded formula funding flexibility already have and must continue supporting nimble and adaptive budgets. Completing the IBX shouldn’t require innovative public financing—we have all the tools. We just need a Congress committed to them.
This political leadership must also embody bureaucratic excellence for the IBX. This can look like easing red-tape and ensuring smooth, synchronized partnership between federal and MTA leaders. It is already taking shape in notable ways. Federal funding is right now supporting design and engineering prerequisites for IBX transfers.
Given the highly competitive pool of New Start grant monies, however, this federal government must also classify the IBX under federal dashboard streamlining initiatives to prioritize its review, ensuring that federal agencies respond quickly to environmental impact assessments. Further, this federal government can issue swift Federal Railroad Administration regulatory waivers, protecting the IBX from freight regulatory disputes.
Ultimately, I am calling on this federal government to be nonstop cheerleaders for the IBX. It is through the constant drumming of support that the IBX can fulfill and expand its promise; Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, community boards, and countless New Yorkers are already exemplifying this.
Likewise, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries must routinely visit station sites, organize public forums, and champion the IBX throughout the media. Setting this tone has real economic value, too. The sooner the IBX is operational, the sooner both its broad economic multipliers compound and increase while its overall per-rider costs decrease.
Delivering the IBX is not only an easy political homerun for their constituencies, but with their new leadership roles, the Democrats can take significant ownership of the IBX’s success.
Take this opportunity, Sen.Schumer and Congressman Jeffries. Remind the people what America is capable of. Imagine! Congress’s two Brooklyn leaders delivering our city the promise of the IBX. Show us that the mandate you received Tuesday night can work, that neighborly politics can deliver. Show us that the government can make our lives better. We deserve it.
I cannot wait to share IBX rides with my neighbors. I cannot wait for the IBX to connect me to new neighbors. I cannot wait to look into the future knowing the IBX will be there. What I’m asking of our Congress here is to step up. We need your help. We are so so close.
Gentry Fitch is a rent-stabilized tenant of Ridgewood, Queens and member of Queens Community Board 5. The views represented here are solely his own and do not reflect the views of QCB5.