Draft Plan: BM4 Express

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About the route

The proposed BM4 Express runs between Gerritsen Beach and Downtown Manhattan. 

The current length of the Downtown peak-only BM4 route is 13.6 miles. The proposed length of the BM4 Express route is 12.7 miles.

In the existing route, the average stop spacing is 1,367 feet. Under the proposed route, that would increase to 1,802 feet.

In the existing route, there are 1.1 turns per mile. Under the proposed route, that would decrease to 0.8 turns per mile.

Route improvements

  • Interborough route
  • More direct routing
  • Improved stop spacing
  • Fewer route patterns
  • Priority Corridor

Review the BM4 route summary

The proposed BM4 would refer only to the Downtown peak-only variant of the existing BM4.

The proposed BM4 would be rerouted to travel via Avenue L and Coney Island Av instead of Avenue K, Ocean Av, and Cortelyou Rd. The new route path removes two turns, thereby reducing delays, and it provides new express service to Coney Island Av. Service on Ocean Av would still be provided by the BM1 and BM3. Existing service on Avenue K between Nostrand Av and Ocean Av would be discontinued. Existing express service on Cortelyou Rd would be discontinued.

In Manhattan, the proposed BM4 would travel in both directions on Water St in order to simplify service. Service on Trinity Pl and Church St would be provided by the proposed BM7, BM8, 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.

Frequencies and inbound span would remain the same as the existing BM4 Downtown variant. The outbound span would be shortened due to low ridership on some trips.

See the route profile with full stop list.

BM4 proposed frequency and span

Inbound

  • Service Hours: Weekdays, 7:30-9:00 a.m.
  • AM Peak: 23 minutes

Outbound

  • Service Hours: Weekdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • PM Peak: 30 minutes