Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent announcement concerning the completion of first phase for construction of Long Island Rail Road Ronkokonma branch Phase Two double tracking between Farmingdale and Central Islip was no cause for celebration.
It was nothing more than a career politicians photo-op.
Completion of double tracking between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma was dropped in the 1980s during electrification of this branch as a way to save money.
It would have cost far less to complete this work thirty years ago rather than today.
After completion of double tracking, Ronkonkoma Branch riders will enjoy off peak 30-minute service.
However, there will be no additional rush hour trains in the a.m. to Penn. Station or p.m. from Penn. Station to Ronkonkoma.
There is no room to run additional trains into or out of Penn Station during either a.m. or p.m. rush hours via the East River tunnels.
Three of four tunnels running inbound during a.m. and outbound p.m. rush hours have very tight spacing between trains.
One tunnel is shared by the LIRR, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak for reverse train movements with equally tight spacing during rush hours.
There is no capacity at Penn Station to accommodate any additional rush hour trains.
Penn Station operates at 100 percent capacity during both a.m. and p.m. rush hours.
There is no capacity on the existing Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville to accommodate any additional rush hour trains on the Ronkonkoma branch.
Capacity can only be increased by construction of the proposed Main Line Third Track project.
Funding of $1.5 billion plus another $700 million to eliminate seven grade crossings or more will be needed for this effort.
Virtually all of these dollars will not be available until adoption of the next 2020-2024 Metropolitan Transportation Authority Five Year Capital Plan.
Rush hour riders on the Ronkonkoma line may be waiting until 2024 or later before they see additional rush hour service.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
(Larry Penner is a transportation historian and advocate who previously worked 31 years for U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office).
