Connecting Communities with Rails & Trails!!
A grass-roots led campaign to create a new subway and parkway corridor along the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch!
"Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards, tried to get the two groups to work together on the project—but the QueensWay supporters refused to even consider incorporating rail into their vision."
Understand why we are fighting for all of Queens.
NEW:
As the QueensWay gets federal funding, rail advocates are fuming that New York's leaders are passing on a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to add desperately needed transit in Queens—all so a park can have another park in it.
With Gov Cuomo resigning it's time to put a stop to his ill-conceived projects. LGA AirTrain is well known, but we should strive to stop the expansion of the Van Wick Expy as well. Expanding highways only leads to more traffic, not less. Expanding mass transit must take priority.
Help us
#BuildtheQueensLink
and turn abandoned infrastructure into lively park space + transit, from the Rockaways to Rego Park! Image shown here is Ozone Park, looking south towards Liberty Ave.
QueensLink is often compared to the MTA's proposed Interborough Express by ridership, but a more appropriate comparison is ridership per mile of new construction. While QueensLink is a much shorter stretch, the line is estimated to serve more riders per mile than the IBX!
Sick of waiting 20 minutes for the next Rockaway Shuttle? QueensLink would eliminate the shuttle entirely, allowing frequent service to both branches of the Rockaways!
#buildthequeenslink
Converting "vacant" park space to parking for cars is so offensive that it's hard to fathom. It brings back memories of Robert Moses in Central Park. Queens needs more non-driving transportation options, not more parking which only encourages more cars.
I will be meeting Monday morning with Queens DOT Commissioner Nicole Garcia on the lack of parking in Woodhaven. I have developed a plan to open more parking spaces. I look forward to a productive meeting with the Commissioner.👇
So the MTA wants to charge drivers to enter Manhattan to pay for fixing the system but doesn't want to:
- add more service
Or
- expand service into the outer boroughs?
The headline should be "MTA to riders: drop dead!"
The deputy chief of staff at the MTA's construction department says the agency can't "in good conscience" build the new Brooklyn-Queens rail line until the rest of its infrastructure is brought into a state of good repair.
🚨BREAKING🚨 MTA refuses to listen to Queens communities! In their shocking 20 Year Needs Assessment, the MTA gave QueensLink a lackluster score. This is in spite of the 20+ elected officials, dozens of community organizations and thousands of residents who support the project.
Today, 17 city, state, and federal officials are asking
@GovKathyHochul
and
@NYCMayor
to fund an Environmental Impact Statement for the QueensLink. “Transportation equity is a major issue in our city that must be confronted,” said City Council Member
@Powers4Queens
Help us create a better city! This is our rendering of our proposed Metropolitan Ave-Parkside station as part of QueensLink's
#RailsandTrails
plan! Let us know how better access could help you!
Rails AND Trails. The QueensLink envisions the old Rockaway Beach Branch as a subway extension with parks alongside. In Ozone Park, the existing viaduct would be rebuilt to allow subway trains to run alongside an elevated park, with commercial space below.
#buildthequeenslink
When you tell a NYer that they could have better transit, they universally love the idea. But our opponents are trying to scare people into thinking that it's not possible. They think they own the old Rockaway Branch. It is a public asset, and we must fight for all residents.
Visiting any of these exciting destinations? QueensLink can help you get there! Visit the link in our bio to tell State leaders to
#BuildtheQueensLink
!!
BREAKING NEWS: $10m QueensLink EIS funding has been added to the NYS Senate budget. But the Federal DOT just announced a $117m grant to fund part of the QueensWay through Forest Park.
Tell your Assembly members to support the QueensLink EIS.
Our team has put lots of effort into making our vision as attentive as possible to each neighborhood! Swipe to see what QueensLink could look like through Forest Hills :)
#BuildtheQueensLink
#RailsandTrails
If only it was easier to take the train to the beach this holiday weekend!
Most of Queens has to drive to the beach. Let's change that by building the QueensLink. Check out to find out how.
Your pet parks project literally blocks better rail transit for hundred of thousands of Queens residents. Including those who are trying to access better health care. Your position against rail on RBB is "totally unacceptable."
As an express bus rider, I have personally experienced bus rides being scrapped because of a lack of drivers - totally unacceptable. I recently brought up this issue with
@MTA
President Davey who said they are focusing on recruitment.
@MTA
- you must do better!
Mayor Adams gave the Queensway park $35mil, while now cutting spending for other parks. Not only is this park being designed to block transit, it's also taking away money from other city parks.
This reminds us of when
@Lynn4NYC
told us "people don't take the train to get health care" when she declined to support QueensLink. Thank you
@RidersAlliance
for standing up for riders!
My 9-month pregnant boss
@betsyplum
at
@MTA
’s congestion pricing hearing speaking about getting to the doctor on the train and why we need a public transit system that is accessible that we can depend on.
Expand the subways, build dedicated bus lines, reduce fares on the LIRR/Metro North. Stop sandbagging good plans and put your money where your mouth is,
@MTA
.
Poor bus service is one of the main reasons why we need to
#BuildtheQueensLink
and we can't let the Mayor block this generational investment! Head to the link in our bio to tell State leadership to fund a QueensLink EIS!!
This unused tunnel was an early attempt to build a subway through central Queens to the Rockaways. An entire station was built but never used. The city has been trying to convert the Rockaway Beach Branch to a subway since the 1930s! Now is the time.
#buildthequeenslink
What some people seem to be missing is that the QueensLink is a proposal for BOTH parks and transit along the Rockaway Beach Branch corridor. There doesn't need to be a fight, but that seems to sell more newspapers.
Thank you, Hayden!
There are a few ways to get involved.
1. Sign out petition.
2. Use out Letter Writing Campaign to contact your local reps!
3. Donate and get cool QueesnLink swag (all donations help us continue our outreach).
4. Volunteer
Fighting climate change isn't about building parks and capping highways. It's about creating a world where people have alternatives to driving like mass transit. QueensLink can do this.
This AM,
@KGforNYC
is in front of new Moynihan Train Hall announcing her infrastructure plans: “We will fix the BQE once and for all. We will build the Queensway, filled with park land and green spaces. In the Bronx she wants create caps and deal with the pollution from Cross BX.
Queens grew by 8%, but tell me again that Queens doesn't need another train line.
The only way that we can grow sustainably is through expanding mass transit and providing alternatives to driving. QueensLink will provide better transit with new local parks to support this.
Large U.S. counties w/ stronger than expected Census counts (vs. estimates):
1. Queens, NY +8%
2. Brooklyn, NY +8%
3. Honolulu, HI +5%
4. Bronx, NY +5%
5. Manhattan, NY +5%
6. Westchester, NY +4%
7. Suffolk, NY +4%
8. Nassau, NY +3%
9. Cook, IL +3%
10. Allegheny, PA +3%
An old LIRR train pulls into the former Brooklyn Manor station on the Rockaway Beach Branch. If we
#BuildtheQueensLink
, this will become the brand new Jamaica Ave station, with transfers available to the J and Z trains!
#queenslink
#railsandtrails
Our new report shows that building the QueensLink would cost far less than the MTA's official estimate and have huge positive economic benefits for Queens.
See the full report
One day these sites will all become active community spaces with QueensLink's Rails & Trails plan!
#BuildtheQueensLink
Photo 1: Forest Park, underneath Forest Park Drive. Photo 2: 101st Avenue looking south on the viaduct. Photo 3: southbound platform at Atlantic Avenue
Ever wondered what kind of routes the LIRR ran on the Rockaway Beach Branch? There was no shortage of remarkable service patterns over its 70 years in operation, but this one might take the cake!
#buildthequeenslink
89 years ago the new IND Queens Blvd subway line was built for a connection to the LIRR Rockaway Line. We are still waiting, but now we are fighting for it!
New York State Senator Joe Addabbo has included QueensLink on his 2024 Constituent Poll! If you live in his (new) District 15, which includes ALL neighborhoods along the right-of-way, use the link below to tell him YOU want QueensLink!
ACTION NEEDED! Now is the time to fund transit improvements, not take them away! Tell Governor Hochul to stand by her word!!
Email and call her here:
governor.hochul
@exec
.ny.gov
518-474-8390
Come see what must be stopped! On Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm, the city will present their plans for a linear park on QueensLink's right of way. Event is at 61-0 97th St at the Rego Center Mall Community Room
#BuildtheQueensLink
#RailsandTrails
This is concerning for QueensLink. This property sits at the corner where the tunnel off QBL to QueensLink would be built. The new development may block the future tunnel. An easement is needed to prevent this. Contact your elected officials!
Save the date: Sunday Oct 2nd at 2pm. Come to Beach 92 and the Boardwalk to rally for QueensLink and transit equity in Queens. It will feature local leaders and supporters of the project. Don't let the city block the QueensLink!
When people say that the MTA doesn't want RBB, we point out that the MTA ignored pleas from accessibility advocates for years, and has only begun installing elevators after settling a lawsuit. We continue our campaign to bring transit justice to Queens.
We've spent the last year doing community outreach, and we've found an overwhelming support for BOTH rails and trails.
The community is NOT divided, they were misinformed about the feasibility of building a subway.
The desire for better transit is there!
*This is Jamaica Avenue - 104th St. Transfer is available to the J and Z trains*
#BuildtheQueensLink
Historical image courtesy of David Keller Archive 1956
Andrew Yang is standing in the way of the hundreds of thousands of NYers who want to better want to travel, who need a healthier city with fewer cars, and who want MORE park space. This is not a man of vision and should not be our next mayor.
Thrilled to announce our plan for parks and open space throughout New York City in Forest Park today! This should be an area of growth and investment including a new QueensWay that would redevelop 3.5 miles of defunct tracks and connect communities.
#TodayinHistory
:
#OnThisDay
in 1962, express platforms opened at the IRT’s 59 St Station. Prior to then, the station had only been a local stop. This
#NYTMCollection
photograph shows New York City Transit Authority officials cutting a ceremonial ribbon at the new station.
DEMAND TRANSIT! NYC Parks and NYC EDC are holding their first Community Input Meeting as they design the
#queensway
Metro Hub. This will directly block future transit on the Rockaway Beach Branch. Show up and make sure that the city hears you.
Hey cyclists, we’d love to hear from you!
The MTA is pursuing a secure bike parking pilot program at select LIRR stations, allowing customers to store a bike within a locked, steel cage shelter.
Let us know your thoughts here 👇
Andrew Cuomo's
@MTA
intentionally sandbagged the Rockaway Beach Branch reactivation study but his
@PANYNJ
intentionally made their AirTrain look better than it was. We need fresh eyes on both.
Hey
@SenSchumer
Queens could see a new subway line for a fraction of the cost using the existing Rockaway Beach Branch ROW. The line would attract as many or more riders than Utica. It shouldn't be 1v1 though, NYC needs all the new transit it can get.
We've updated our letter writing campaign, so even if you've signed it before, sign it again!! There's too much at stake right now, so visit the link in our bio to help
#BuildtheQueensLink
!!!
The team at QueensLink wants to thank all the elected officials, community groups, transit activists, general supporters, and those who came out to see a whale but saw our rally instead. It was a wonderful show of support. We'll post more pictures soon.
#buildthequeenslink
We were asked to work with the Queensway to find common ground, and they told us "they couldn't see a way" or that "it wasn't feasible". These were, and are, lies to try and make us go away. But we won't.
There is no reason Queens doesn't deserve both better parks and transit!
The QueensLink can provide up to 33 acres of new park space alongside a subway extension. The MTA proved it feasible. Yet the proposal is always framed as "park vs rail". This is a false dichotomy that helps no one.
QueensRail, Corp applauds
@GovKathyHochul
's decision to halt the
#WrongWayLGAAirTrain
. Queens needs real transit improvements.
Build dedicated bus lanes to LGA.
Extend the
@NYCTSubway
N/W trains from Astoria.
We can't let anything stand in the way of better subways!! Transit equity means providing access for South Queens residents, who face some of the longest commutes in the country! Visit the link in our bio to tell State Assembly members that we need
#QueensLink
funding NOW!
The outer boros need to see investment with congestion pricing. Only by expanding mass transit, like QueensLink, can we reduce the need to drive, not just the incentive to drive.
Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard is a horrible intersection and the amount of cars/trucks/buses getting stuck on the crosswalks seems to be going up each time I pass through. Congestion Pricing needs to happen for every major road in the city not just half of Manhattan
Money to expand NYC highways and make traffic worse but transit needs to fight for every penny?
This money should be put towards the QueensLink subway connection which would run between Woodhaven Blvd and the Van Wyck Expy. It would take cars off the road and improve the air.
The NYSDOT is spending **$1.22b** to widen the Van Wyck Expressway.
Why not use these dollars to consolidate the parallel sections of the Van Wyck & Grand Central? Stop strangling Flushing Meadows Corona Park?
There's no time to lose! Politicians like Mayor Adams want to block transit for Queens! Let's get QueensLink funded in the NY State Budget to
#BuildtheQueensLink
The LGA AirTrain and the Rockaway Beach Branch show the misguided priorities of frm Gov Cuomo. Instead of building up the MTA to create projects that would better serve the city and region, he broke them to his will to build, or not build, what he wanted.
Check out more of our new renderings on our website! This is the future Rego Park Gardens, on a former LIRR junction. Aerial view from Austin St and 64th Rd facing South.
#BuildtheQueensLink
"Let’s be clear – the QueensWay and QueensLink projects cannot be conducted in succession. If a park/train rail combo were to be built, it needs to be tightly integrated and co-exist from the beginning with the support of a long-term citywide commitment."
QueensLink doesn't just offer a faster ride to Midtown. It offers connections to other rail and bus lines within Queens. Improving intraboro travel will reduce the need for driving and parking, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable city!
#buildthequeenslink
This is far from the best use of technology and innovation. We should be investing in projects that provide alternatives to driving. A highway full of electric cars is still a highway full of cars.
A project like QueensLink provides north-south transit without adding traffic.
.
@GovKathyHochul
today announced the NYSDOT Kew Gardens Interchange project was named a winner of the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials region in the “Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Large Project” category. More here:
Reminder that funding a QueensLink EIS is absolutely essential! Head to the link in our bio to tell our state leaders that we need QueensLink funding now!! 🚇🌳
Thanks to everyone who came to our Jane's Walk yesterday!! We had an amazing time walking the Rockaway Beach Branch and learning about QueensLink's benefits.
Our Answer: QUEENS NEEDS BOTH!
#buildtheQueensLink
Our plan will create up to 32 acres public space alongside and underneath subway reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Branch.
Another piece (
#8
) from my upcoming Second System Gems Collection on OpenSea. I'm looking at this weekend for a drop.
This spot was built as a provision for a future branch of the Queens Blvd Line, which would have extended south down the abandoned LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch RoW.
Adding lanes to Van Wick would only add car traffic. The QueensLink runs between Woodhaven Blvd and the Van Wyck and would provide a faster ride to the AirTrain at Howard Beach. Only mass transit can take cars off the road, negating the "need" to expand highways.
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're highlighting important AAPI communities along the QueensLink! Swipe through to learn more about these incredible neighborhoods and how better transit could help connect AAPI communities across the borough!!
#AAPI
It’s
#ClimateWeekNYC
! Join us tomorrow at noon for a panel on
#EnvironmentalJustice
and how the City is addressing disproportionate environmental, climate and health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. Learn more and RSVP:
DEMAND TRANSIT! The NYC Parks Department and NYC EDC are holding their next Community Input Meeting (virtual) as they design the Metropolitan Hub, which will block transit for QueensLink! Make your voice heard! Jan 8 6:30pm. Register at the link in our bio!
What's worse, there is an active disinformation campaign by a few well-connected folks who have decided that they get to be the authority on what is built here. Make no mistake, the Queensway was always designed to block transit.
We are so excited the rain is gone and we can come together this Sunday (Oct 9th) to rally for
#transitequity
in Queens. We will have a host of speakers, elected officials, community groups, and transit advocates. Join us on the Rockaway boardwalk at Beach 92nd at 2pm!
Fact: The AirTrain was cherry picked by the former governor and ignored environmental problems.
Fact: we have a perfectly good subway network that can serve more airport riders, better.
Fact: cheaper bus alternatives were ignored.
.... F
Thank you to
@TheRockawayWave
for explaining QueensLink. Rockaway and South Queens alike face the longest commutes in the city. It’s time to fix that and deliver transit equity to Queens. It’s long past time to
#BuildtheQueensLink
.