Brooklyn-queens connector feasibility analysis

Sam Schwartz analyzed the feasibility of what would be the longest streetcar line in the United States, running 16 miles along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. The project began with an alternatives analysis to identify the best mode to serve this corridor. The two highest-ranking modes were streetcar and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Our deep experience with BRT allowed us to conclude that high projected ridership, predicted service reliability, and street geometry were unfavorable to BRT.

Once streetcar was selected, the focus shifted to planning the most effective feasible alignment for accommodating residential and employment growth, spurring further development, and connecting residents to major hubs of technology and industry. With some current trips requiring more than two hours, providing faster travel times and improved connectivity to the existing transit network was a key objective; under the plan Sam Schwartz developed, travel times on certain itineraries were reduced by 50% or more. In addition to development potential, over 40,000 residents of existing NYCHA housing will get enhanced transit access to job opportunities.

Sam Schwartz and GPO also investigated high-reliability, zero-emissions propulsion technologies. By avoiding use of catenaries, construction and maintenance costs were lowered, aesthetics were improved, and the system was made more resilient to the flood risks present along the corridor.

Sam Schwartz presented draft plans to project stakeholders, public agencies, and the project steering committee, refining the proposal and addressing questions and concerns over time in order to build support for the project. On February 4, 2016, in the annual State of the City speech, the Mayor of New York officially announced adoption of the plan.

Services / Transit