What future projects do you think the LIRR should be looking at? I think expanding electrification with the arrival of M9's should be one of the first major projects taken up. I know there's talk of electrifying out to Port Jeff, but what about on the south side, possibly to Sayville or Patchogue. I personally also think that the Montauk should be double tracked at least to Patchogue, but possible even as far as Speonk to enable more service. If electrification can take place soon on the Port Jeff, then all that diesel equipment can be used to facilitate better and more frequent East End service on both the Ronkonkoma and Montauk branches. What are everyone thought's on these ideas, and what ideas do you have to expand and increase service on the railroad?
I am definately for extending the third rail east of Babylon to maybe Speonk since there is a yard there and a lot of the NYC daily commuting ends there. The problem with having it end in Patchogue, even though many trains end their runs there is a new yard would have to be built in Patchogue and it seems that there isn't much room in the village as there are buildings and developed land along the right of way. If the Montauk Line were to at least get double tracked as far as Patchogue, it would be beneficial if that station gets a platform on the opposite side as well. It seems that Patchogue generates plenty of ridership not just because it is a large village but the ferry terminal to the eastern end of Fire Island is very close to the depot.
The extension of electrification from Huntington to Pt. Jefferson would be nice. It would also be good if there were some speed increases. It seems like there are many stretches of straight track with a lot of curves as well.