Study demand for one-seat train rides beyond Penn Station

Taking the train — or trains — from Long Island to Philadelphia or Washington, can often seem like more trouble than it's worth. Hoping there aren't delays or other holdups, lugging suitcases and strollers through the busy maze of Penn Station, trying to time the trains so you don't miss the connection or wait around too long.

Sometimes, it seems easier to drive.

Now, Amtrak is trying to change that. The federal passenger rail operator is proposing to extend its Northeast Corridor service from Washington to the Island, providing stops in Jamaica, Hicksville and Ronkonkoma.

It's an intriguing idea, one that could make travel simpler for millions of Long Islanders who would benefit from a one-seat ride to head to Newark or Trenton or Philadelphia or Baltimore or Washington. It's worth exploring any legitimate effort to get people out of their cars and onto public transit. And it could benefit Long Island economically, too, if it's easier to get from other major cities to key potential transportation hubs here.

But there are significant challenges and questions ahead. Amtrak currently runs on overhead wires, while the Long Island Rail Road uses the third rail for its electric power. As a result, Amtrak would need upgraded trains, called Airo, that would operate both via electric and diesel, albeit with reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency, to run along the LIRR tracks. While massive infrastructure upgrades might not be necessary, additional analysis of cost, feasibility and the expense of a one-seat ride — which is expected to be higher than the mix of LIRR and Amtrak is now — is required.

The notion of Amtrak service to Long Island has percolated since 2019, when Amtrak approved its first study. Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said they've cooperated with Amtrak since. But it's been slow going. Now, Amtrak should conduct the rest of its analysis. Before moving forward, Amtrak and the MTA must determine whether demand still exists, as much has changed since 2019, and whether a one-seat ride is still a worthwhile endeavor. Don't do this just for the sake of doing it.

If it makes sense to move forward, Amtrak and the MTA must work together, so any necessary improvements to platforms or stations are made with as little disruption as possible. The two entities also must coordinate service so LIRR commuters aren't disadvantaged and collaborate to ensure riders across both entities benefit. That's easier said than done, as Amtrak and the MTA have clashed time and again over other shared territory, including Penn Station and the East River Tunnels. This time has to be different.

Expanding Amtrak's service to the Island has been one of those sought-after goals that never seemed possible. Amtrak should get this train moving, so we can determine how far it can and should go.