Two views of LIRR's East Side Access
The LIRR's new Grand Central Madison station under construction. The East Side Access project is expected to affect Long Island commuters. Credit: Marcus Santos
Two views of LIRR's East Side Access
The editorial "LIRR changes need patience," [Opinion, July 5] is correct to identify the enormous potential the Long Island Rail Road East Side Access project offers and notes that it may take time to get everything “right.” However, as someone who commutes from Great Neck into the city, I believe the editorial fails to recognize the deep dissatisfaction with the current proposal that strips express service from stations like Great Neck and others in Nassau County. Simply put, taxpayers across the state footed a multibillion-dollar bill for this project and rightfully expected it to result in improvements to our daily lives rather than increasing many of our commute times. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has time to get this right and offer a sensible middle ground of offering express service where possible to commuters in Nassau who rely on the LIRR.
Peter Fishkind, Great Neck
LIRR management expects half of the Port Washington line commuters to use Grand Central Terminal ["LIRR changes criticized," News, July 5]. One would assume that the commuters are using the new terminal because it is more convenient and will save time (and possibly public transit costs) going from the terminal to the workplace.
What matters is the total commuting time it takes to get to the workplace after boarding the train. It appears that many of these commuters to the new terminal will have a longer train ride but will save time (and possibly money) because of the closer East Side access to their workplace. After all, that’s why they are using the new terminal.
It’s not all bad if you look at the total picture. A little longer on the train but a shorter walk or no subway ride could mean you get to your workplace earlier than you had previously. Yes, some will have a longer commute, but all Port Washington and all LIRR users will win because East Side access has finally arrived.
Howard Ammerman, New Hyde Park
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