Draft Plan: BM8 Express

Gravesend - Downtown ManhattanRelated Routes: X28, B36, B74, M55

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About the route

The proposed BM8 Express runs between Gravesend and Downtown Manhattan. 

The current length of the Downtown peak-only X28 route is 15.7 miles. The proposed length of the BM8 Express route is 11.8 miles.

In the existing route, the average stop spacing is 1,435 feet. Under the proposed route, that would increase to 1,602 feet.

In the existing route, there are 0.9 turns per mile. Under the proposed route, that would decrease to 0.5 turns per mile.

Route improvements

  • Interborough route
  • Improved stop spacing
  • Fewer route patterns
  • Avoids narrow streets
  • Priority Corridor

Review the BM8 route summary

The Downtown peak-only variant of the existing X28 would be re-labeled as the BM8 to be consistent with most express routes. The existing route path would be maintained.

However, all trips would terminate at Cropsey Av/Canal Av due to low ridership in Sea Gate. Service in the area would be provided by connecting from the B36 or B74 to the  subway lines. Also, all trips would terminate at Duane St/Thomas St due to low ridership between Duane St/Thomas St and 23 St. Service on 6 Av would be provided by the M55 and numerous nearby subway lines.

As an Express route, stops on local streets would be spaced slightly farther apart than existing to speed up travel time and improve reliability. Along the highway, Express routes travel non-stop to and from Manhattan.

Spans would remain the same as the existing X28 Downtown variant, but frequencies would be slightly decreased due to low ridership on some trips.

See the route profile with full stop list.