After several years of lobbying the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for money to improve Long Island Rail Road infrastructure and expand commuter train service on the South Fork, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. announced Wednesday that $260 million has been added to the M.T.A.'s capital plan to do just that.
The capital plan has yet to be formally approved, Mr. Thiele said. This step is expected in October. The money is part of a proposed $800 million allocation system-wide for the M.T.A., which also includes the New York City buses and subway system, AirTrain to Kennedy Airport, and the Metro-North Railroad.
“The institution of the South Fork Commuter Connection has been a great alternative to the trade parade for those trying to get to work each morning, saving hours of commute time each week," Mr. Thiele said in a statement. “The biggest problem has been the existing one-track infrastructure, which only permits two eastbound trains during the morning rush and two westbound trains during the afternoon rush. For many, these limited trips are not convenient. The proposed project would allow the L.I.R.R. to greatly expand service, making the S.F.C.C. an option for thousands of additional commuters. I thank the M.T.A for taking this next step, which will advance the expansion of the S.F.C.C.”
The sum of $260 million would cover planning, design, and the beginning of construction on segments of new train tracks, platforms, sidings, and signalization that would “allow trains to pass each other and accommodate addition trains,” Mr. Thiele said in a release. Such improvements are proposed at multiple places along the Speonk-to-Montauk line, including at Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Amagansett.
“The proposed enhancements to the S.F.C.C. represent a critical lifeline for our community,” East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in a statement. “For too long, our employees have faced grueling commutes that can stretch up to four hours roundtrip, creating undue stress and disrupting their quality of life. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s an economic barrier to attract and retain the talent our local businesses desperately need. Our small businesses deserve the chance to flourish, and our staff deserve a better commute.”
Adam Fine, superintendent of the East Hampton School District, also lauded the proposal, saying in a statement that “the Long Island Rail Road is uniquely positioned to make East Hampton Town a place where people from all walks of life can find rewarding employment. I am so pleased that the M.T.A. has developed an appropriate capital plan that can expand the positive impact the S.F.C.C. has brought to this wonderful area.”
