Study Aims to Improve Transit on Long Island
In response to a suggestion by the local transportation advocacy group, Five Towns Rural Transit (5TRT) for enhanced transit service in eastern Long Island, local town officials from Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island jointly commissioned the Volpe Center in 2007 to analyze options to improve regional bus and rail service in the The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides commuter rail service connecting the region with western Long Island and New York City and Suffolk County Transit provides local bus and paratransit service.
The resulting feasibility study includes two concepts. The first, termed the "coordinated rail-bus concept," is based on a significantly expanded local bus network connecting to local rail stations. A number of train stations would need to be reopened or upgraded, and a significant number of new buses procured. Total concept cost could reach $175 million. The second concept, which is less expensive, would phase in upgrades and service expansions based on the growth of demand. Point-to-point bus service would be emphasized and rail service would be improved within the constraints of the existing rail infrastructure.
On Friday, April 17, a local state assembly representative hosted a forum in Riverhead to discuss the report's findings. Volpe Center staff presented the two alternative concepts prior to public comment and a panel discussion. Significant interest was expressed in the coordinated bus-rail concept as a long-term outcome. The Volpe Center will continue its analysis in concert with the local community including a review of environmental issues and a proposed management structures for the service.
A typical Long Island Rail Road commuter rail platform, Southold Station. (
Volpe Center Image)
