Long Island's population and geography combine to create unique transportation
challenges. The extensive network of expressways and parkways that opened much of the island to development in the post-war period has become overburdened and in many cases seriously congested.

Thankfully, Long Island is well served by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), whose annual ridership of over 81 million makes it the busiest commuter rail line in the United States. However, an aging infrastructure and limited capacity have led to overcrowding and delays on this crucial transportation resource. It is expected that congestion on the LIRR will only increase with the completion of the long awaited East Side Access project.

NYLCVEF urges Long Island policymakers to focus on developing alternative transit projects and increasing capacity on the LIRR. Specifically, local leaders should:

• Strongly support the development of the LIRR's "third track" project, which will significantly increase the railroad's capacity.
• Support efforts to increase rail freight and the use of rail for waste disposal, specifically the intermodal facility in Brentwood.
• Develop new bike lanes, particularly on the East End, and encourage bicycling to LIRR stations.
• Support New York State DOT's recently announced "Green 347" road construction program for Nesconset Highway (Rte 347), which would improve traffic from Hauppauge to Port Jefferson by lowering traffic from 55 to 45 mph, narrowing lane widths for speed reduction and creating bicycle path and intersection improvements.
• Work with LIRR to expand station parking lots and explore the possibility of creating municipally managed transit options to improve access to LIRR stations.

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