A local politician is leading efforts that would make it easier for transit riders to travel between the outer boroughs.

Assemblywoman Latrice Walker has introduced a bill calling for the MTA to do a study of an existing freight rail line to figure out if it can be used to connect the three outer boroughs.

"The fact that it would take an hour and a half to get from Bay Ridge to Williamsburg I think it’s absurd and we have to bring rail infrastructure into the 21st century," says Walker.

It would be called the Triboro Line and would be 24 miles long, running from Bay Ridge to the Bronx.

"As the outer boroughs have grown there’s been an increase pressure and need for transit to better connect especially in the Bronx Queens and Brooklyn, better connect residents outside of the Manhattan-centric transit system," says Maulin Mehta, a senior associate at the Regional Plan Association.

The RPA first conceived the idea in the 90s, saying this an ideal time in the city for it to move forward.

"We’re looking at a city that keeps moving forward but leaves this community behind and this is a unique opportunity because the rail line comes through our neighborhood." says Walker.

The project expected to cost anywhere from $1 billion to 2 billion.

They'd like to also explore the possibility of extending the line to Staten Island.

Officials expect to see more than 100,000 people using it daily from the start.
 
The assemblywoman says she is now working to get the support of other lawmakers to get the bill approved.