QUEENS-MANHATTAN TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS STUDY. FINAL REPORT

This report analyzes short and long range opportunities for improving subway service between Queens and Manhattan. It evaluates the physical feasibility, operating feasibility, ridership potential, capacities, costs, and institutional acceptability of more than 20 options. The report recommends a staged improvement plan the first stage calls for (1) operating 60-foot cars on the Queens Boulevard subway line, (2) speeding up J-Z service by closing or consolidating stations, (3) improving pedestrian connections in Long Island City and (4) building a Rosedale Transit Center. It supports the following sequence of actions over the next 10 to 15 years; (1) complete the Northern Boulevard express-local connection as soon as possible, (2) connect the 60th Street tunnel to the Flushing Line ezpress track, (3) utilize a car capable of running on both tracks, and (4) subsequently (as needed) add a fifth track through the Roosevelt Avenue stations and build connection between the Queens Boulevard and Rockaway Lines. A connection between the Long Island Rail Road main line and the 63rd Street tunnel lower level with an extension of LIRR service to midtown Manhattan has merit over the long run as part of regional transit improvements.