Crowley, DOT and local leaders tour proposed light rail line

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Crowley is joined by DOT reps and local leaders.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, a staunch supporter of bringing a light rail commuter service along the Long Island Railroad Lower Montauk Branch, led local leaders and representatives from the New York City Department of Transportation on a tour of the tracks.

The tour began at Fresh Pond Yards, went to 11th Street in Long Island City, 88th Street in Glendale and back to Fresh Pond Yards. The rails are currently just used to freight a few times overnight, but Crowley believes both passenger and freight could travel the line if scheduled properly. In the last budget cycle, Crowley secured $500,000 for a feasibility study of a light rail.

“I continue to believe that a light rail on the Lower Montauk branch is the best, most efficient and practical solution for Queens’ overburdened streets and public transportation lines,” Crowley said. “This tour reaffirmed the fact that this rail line must be preserved for the greatest benefit of the local community. Queens is New York City’s fastest growing borough, and we must invest in infrastructure that supports that growth.”

 

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