FAQ

 

What is The QNS?

The QNS is a new transit line that would reactivate the Lower Montauk Branch of the LIRR for NYC Transit Fares with local stops from Jamaica to Long Island City. The existing tracks are currently operating freight tracks and rights-of-way owned by the MTA.

Why is the QNS necessary?

Many areas of Queens have long-been subjected to transit deserts. The QNS Rail would cut through areas where currently, there is no service and would therefore increase the area of Queens served by the subway by 13 percent.

Who are the Friends of the QNS?

We are a local Queens community group in favor of the project, led by former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.

How many people would the QNS serve?

The QNS would serve approximately 6.6 million passengers annually.

Does the QNS have political support?

The QNS has received resolutions of support for the project from Queens Community Boards 2, 5, 6, 9 and 12—all of the Community Boards that the QNS would travel through. Members of the Queens Congressional Delegation, State Senate Delegation, and the City Council Delegation support the project as well.

Why now?

The people of Queens have been neglected for too long! Queens residents need proper transit options and Queens businesses need more accessibility. It is unlikely that there will be a new traditional subway system built in Queens in the near future to fix this issue—activating the LMB and giving the QNS the green light is paramount.

What is labor’s role in the QNS project?

While the NYC Laborers care about building the project, they also support the project because many of their members will benefit from the QNS line. They will utilize the QNS to commute to work. Laborers have the most members in Queens out of any borough or county in the state of New York. Of the 45,000 Laborers, almost 8,000 live in Queens.

Is this project feasible?

Yes! A project similar to the QNS was recently announced by Governor Cuomo – activating an underutilized rail line in the east Bronx with access to Penn Station to build four Metro-North Railroad stations in the Bronx.

Who is on the Friends of the QNS Board of Directors?

  • Denise Keehan-Smith, Board Chair, Queens Community Board 1 Chairperson, Woodside Resident

  • Domenic Valdner, Board Treasurer, Laborers Local 731 LIUNA

  • Ben Guttman, Partner at Digital Natives Group, LIC Business Owner and Resident

  • Elie Gamburg, Director at KPF Architects

  • Tom Mituzas, MCR Development, Queens Community Board 2 member

  • Walter Sanchez, Publisher of the Queens Ledger, Queens Community Board 5 member

  • Philippa Karteron, President & CEO of Galleria Noire, St. Albans resident

  • Mike McGuire, Political Director, Mason Tenders

  • Raj Rampersad

  • Tom Powell

  • Chris Oehl