By: Meyer Wolfsheim

The long-awaited Interborough Express — officially known as the IBX — is moving deeper into development, and Flatbush is emerging as one of its most significant hubs, amNY reported. The proposed Flatbush stop would link the new line to the bustling Flatbush Ave.–Nostrand Ave. station, where the 2 and 5 trains converge. The location is one of Brooklyn’s busiest transit centers, surrounded by Brooklyn College, a thriving retail district, and vibrant neighborhoods ranging from stately Victorian homes to dense apartment blocks.

While the MTA has not yet finalized the exact locations for the IBX’s 19 planned stations, amNY reported that Flatbush Ave.–Nostrand Ave. remains the most likely choice for the area. The entire IBX project carries an estimated price tag of $5.5 billion, with roughly half of that funding already lined up in the agency’s 2025–2029 capital plan.

Even though the IBX remains in its early stages, the MTA marked two major milestones this year. On July 30, the project officially entered its design phase, followed by the launch of environmental reviews on Oct. 15, amNY reported. Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA’s president of construction and development, said the new route would finally deliver the fast, reliable Brooklyn–Queens connection that riders have demanded for decades. “We’re ready to complete it faster, better and cheaper,” he said, adding that the agency looks forward to breaking ground.

If completed as envisioned, the IBX would shuttle commuters between Brooklyn and Queens in about 33 minutes — a dramatic improvement over many current cross-borough trips. A potential Flatbush stop would offer seamless access to work, school, and the neighborhood’s array of dining and shopping destinations.

Among the standout local attractions:

Just blocks from the 2 and 5 trains, the 35-acre Brooklyn College campus anchors the area. The school, ranked #38 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report, draws thousands of students daily. One student told amNY he hadn’t heard of the IBX but said a new link between Brooklyn and Queens would “really help” his commute, especially since he travels by subway almost every day.

Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues form one of Brooklyn’s busiest commercial intersections. According to the Flatbush Junction BID, about 350,000 residents live within a 1.5-mile radius and collectively spend $3 billion a year on goods and services, amNY reported. Major retailers like Target, Aldi, Applebee’s, and Foot Locker sit alongside small businesses. The district also serves as a key transfer point for the 2 and 5 trains, seven bus lines, and — pending approval — the IBX.

Just beyond Brooklyn College, Midwood’s historic Victorian homes sit on tree-lined streets, offering one of the borough’s most distinctive residential landscapes. The neighborhood’s proximity to the proposed IBX stop adds another layer of appeal for commuters and families.

Though many residents welcome the IBX as a major transit upgrade, others have voiced strong reservations during community meetings, particularly in Queens.