BQNEXT: Taking BRT seriously in NYC

The BQX project is a triumph of capital & boosterism and a misplaced diagnosis.

This post is the first in a seven-part series that will aim to understand the development and destiny of the divisive “Brooklyn Queens Connector”—BQX for short. My ultimate goal will be to make a case for fully-realized, excessively pervasive Bus Rapid Transit network—BRT for short.

The proposed alignment of the BQX light rail—it will run from Red Hook to Astoria. Image: bqx.nyc

Here’s a roadmap, which will hopefully keep me honest to write a post every two weeks for the next three months, starting on July 15th:

• Introduction: The Problem & The Power & The Players (We Are Here)

• The Future History Of The BQX: If The Project Is So Good Why Hasn’t It Been Built?

• Pricing/Costing/Funding/Financing: Myths and Honest Accounting

• Alternatives Analysis: What If We Do Nothing?

• Alignment Exploration: How Many Buses Is Too Many Buses

• Getting It Done: Stakeholders & Organization Building

• Conclusion and Next Steps: Politics & Policy

Oh and not for nothing, big thanks in advance to Miles Watkins and Geri Rosen…