NEW YORK - The BQX Connector project has taken another step forward as the city unveils possible routes for the proposed streetcar between Queens and Brooklyn.

The Economic Development Corporation has released new maps weighing the pros and cons of different options along the 16 mile corridor.

The agency is considering a number of factors like traffic flow and connections with existing transit options, along with estimated ridership and travel time.

Some of the routes are significantly farther inland from the East River than others.

The BQX would connect waterfront communities between Astoria, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

For some commuters between Queens and Brooklyn, the plan is long overdue.

"I think it's a pretty good thing. A better way of transportation it's going to create new jobs," said one city resident.

"I think it's a good idea because this it gets very crowded down here it would be another alternative to the bus and the subway," said another.



The EDC says it will soon meet with local community boards to discuss the proposed routes in greater detail.



The streetcar would cost about two and a half billion dollars.

Fares would cost the same as the subway.

City officials hope to break ground in 2019, and have the new route up and running by 2024.