u/throwaway022516

I've mentioned this in a previous comment, but representatives at one of the IBX open houses stressed that it's very important to utilize the form at the bottom of the IBX website as we are currently in the public comment period. As skeptical as some might be, the MTA is actually taking this feedback into genuine consideration. One good example is that, though it has not been publicly announced yet by the MTA, u/PerfectMidnight6662 was able to learn that a Queens Boulevard station - which was originally omitted from the project - is now under serious consideration, per his article here. Plenty of people, myself included, have previously expressed support for a station in that area and enough noise has been drummed up that the MTA is actively soliciting design options. On the other end of the spectrum, while I cannot confirm this, I wouldn't be surprised if the MTA reversing course and removing the Sutter Avenue station was also due to public feedback. While I supported the inclusion of the station, I know many felt it was redundant and unnecessary given the presence of the adjacent L line and numerous associated transfers.

(As an aside, I still strongly support an additional station in Flatlands around the Albany Avenue-Avenue H area to truly connect one of the more glaring transit deserts in the city and I've expressed as much to the MTA via that form and highly recommend that others do the same if they're in agreement.)

That said, this goes beyond just station siting. From that open house, I was able to confirm that the MTA is primarily pursuing out-of-system transfers between the IBX and the subway proper (i.e., you would have to leave the system and re-enter to complete a transfer). While this is unavoidable for a few of the transfers - Roosevelt Avenue and McDonald Avenue come to mind, in particular - there are some that are currently expected to be out-of-system that can very easily and feasibly be made in-system. The 8th Avenue and East 16th Street stations, specfically, are slated to have out-of-system transfers despite directly abutting their connecting subway stations. I've filled out a separate feedback form emphasizing the importance of in-system transfers in unlocking the full potential and viability of the IBX, but again, this is where it's important to make sure others are utilizing this public comment period to express the same sentiments to the MTA.

The IBX can truly be transformative for New York City transit; not just for its ability to provide a meaningful outer borough service, but also because, if it succeeds, it may provide a blueprint for getting other significant transit expansion projects completed. Given everything that's at stake here, it's critical that we ensure the MTA gets this project done as thoroughly and appropriately as possible. The last thing we need is shortsighted corner cutting that puts a cap on how successful this project could be.

There's a document that was released in the earlier days of the IBX announcement that provided analysis of the potential station sites and explained those that were omitted. It specifically referenced the lack of a station at Queens Boulevard and explained the reasoning why, but also largely left the door open for a possible future inclusion or even in-fill opportunity, if I recall correctly. I'm just curious to review the specific language there because I'd like to reach out to the MTA about the potential for a station there as well as an additional station in East Flatbush.