BQX Streetcar Lacks Funding in de Blasio's Proposed Budget

It's been awhile since the proposed BQX Streetcar project had any forward momentum in New York City.

1 minute read

May 9, 2018, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Brooklyn Queens Connector

Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector / The BQX Streetcar

Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a budget proposal that included funding for 350 passenger vessels in the NYC Ferry fleet, but conspicuously lacked any funding for another of his signature legacy initiatives: the Brooklyn Queens Connector, also known as the BQX.

"A 16-mile streetcar service proposed for the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront is unfunded in the Economic Development Corp.'s proposed budget, suggesting that preliminary planning might not begin for at least a year—should the city ever move forward with the project," reports Joe Anuta.

According to Anuta, the city is nearing the conclusion of a feasibility study. That study has already revealed details that could add $2.5 billion to the estimated cost of the project.

Planetizen last checked in with the de Blasio Administration's commitment to the BQX project in April, with a story about the project's DOA or MIA funding status. It doesn't seem like there's been any positive development since then either.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Crain's New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

45 minutes ago - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

1 hour ago - Source NM

White Waymo self-driving car with camera and sensors mounted to front driver's side mirror.

USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations

The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.

2 hours ago - Wired