I’m writing today to urge my fellow commuters to vocally and enthusiastically support Governor Cuomo’s LIRR expansion project. New details were just released
, including an informational website and public meetings, which I hope many of you attend.
As a commuter, I applaud the Governor’s action to move the project forward swiftly. I have lost count of the days that I have been late to work or missed valuable time with my family because of train delays. This winter was particularly unpleasant. The LIRR reported that more trains were late in 2015 than any other year since 2000, and that on-time performance fell for the third straight year. Much of this can be attributed to the bottleneck on the Main Line Corridor where the governor proposes to build a third track.
LIRR customers have been asking for upgrades and infrastructure investment for years. Finally, there is a plan on the table that will increase capacity, improve efficiency, and upgrade local stations. For those that don’t take the LIRR and those who live in the local communities, it will decrease congestion, decrease pollution, and eliminate seven-grade crossings. This will results in safer roads, quieter neighborhoods, and more attractive communities.
Despite the positive impact this plan will have on our region, there is a small but loud opposition. We must not take this opportunity for granted. It is imperative that we attend these meetings and support the third track plan, or we may lose our chance at a faster, easier, more timely commute.
—Bryan Peranzo
