Feel free to explain why its ridiculous, but wouldnt it be a reasonable idea to build light rails from Flushing to areas like Bayside and Little Neck? Areas east of Flushing to LI border pretty much. I mean LIRR is there but it can be pricey and limited in service.
Have it run on street and then go underground at Flushing. And maybe have it then run as express a la B and Q alk the way to Manhattan.