Just Sayin': LIRR planning = crowded trains

As a daily Long Island Rail Road rider, I'm often frustrated. The 3:34 p.m. Wantagh-bound train out of Penn Station is an unmistakable example of poor planning and lack of concern for customer safety or comfort.

I often find myself on this train to make the switch at Jamaica for the Far Rockaway connection. This train draws from at least three connections at Jamaica station and is among the last before peak time begins. The result is a daily ride that features passengers crammed into every crevice, gasping for whatever bit of stale air their lungs can discover. The doorways are so clogged with humanity that I'm surprised the railroad doesn't need a giant plunger to extract the commuters. On Fridays, the railroad Twister game is at its brutal worst.

The LIRR needs to rethink its schedule regarding this Wantagh train and its too-many connections. It borders on the inhumane.

David Shaw, Valley Stream

Better ways to dispose of batteries?

For ages I've been hearing about the environmental dangers of batteries. They contain acids and heavy metals, yet there are virtually no easy ways to get rid of them.

For a while, a local sporting goods store had a recycling bin for batteries. When I've tried to add them to the recycling in my town, the trash collectors leave them behind.

What are we supposed to do with these ubiquitous power monsters? More and more devices rely on external power sources. Should we turn a blind eye to their dangers?

Anthony Guy, Sea Cliff

Get out of HOV lane when driving 55

In response to "HOV is still 55 miles per hour" [Just Sayin', Nov. 7], I've been commuting on both the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway for more than 35 years. No one drives the speed limit, except maybe in the right lane.

The normal speed is 10 to 15 mph over the posted limit. If you insist on driving 55, then stay in the right lane and let the traffic flow along naturally.

Jan Neuman, Plainview

Lately, driving in the left lane of the LIE has become unusually hazardous due to the increase of drivers suddenly crossing the double white lines separating the HOV lane from the rest of the highway. This move is unexpected, because the HOV has designated entrances and exits. I've had to make immediate maneuvers to avoid collisions with those drivers.

More often than not they are crossing that line to pass drivers like the writer of "HOV is still 55 miles per hour." While he's observing the traffic law, he's also holding up traffic behind him and causing hazardous situations.

Everyone should observe the law, but creating a traffic hazard when one has the opportunity to move to the general traffic lanes is inexcusable.

Laurence Siegel, Deer Park

Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should do it. Any time you have a line of cars behind you honking and tailgating, you are doing something wrong.

The purpose of the HOV lane is to move more people more efficiently. The writer of this piece is doing the opposite.

The right lane is for slower traffic. A car going 10 to 15 mph slower than the surrounding traffic is dangerous to everyone on the road and can back traffic up for miles. Why would anyone want to do such a thing?

Dennis Ruppel, Elmont