Brookhaven Officials Call For Extended Electric Rail Service On LIRR

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Extending electric train service on the Long Island Rail Road's Montauk Branch would increase ridership, improve service and help boost the East End economy, Brookhaven officials say.

They are urging the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to get on board with a plan to replace diesel trains with electric ones.

"We're here to send a message: Enough," Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine said at a news conference Tuesday, Newsday reported. "We're watching a train system with 19th-century technology."

Listen to Brookhaven Officials Push For Extended Electric Service On LIRR

Officials in Port Jefferson Village made a similar request earlier this month.

The reaction from riders, however, is mixed.

"I believe that electrified lines are more efficient," one commuter, Ira, of Patchogue, told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs. "It would just increase the amount of trains coming through here."

But some commuters are worried about possible fare increases. MTA officials point out the electrification is expensive -- about $18 million a mile.

"Well, if it's going to raise the rates, so you can put it off," said Frank, an LIRR rider.

Brookhaven officials say state surplus funds could be used to pay for the project.