LIRR electrification, impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Electrification is long overdue on the LIRR's Port Jefferson line east of Huntington, a reader writes. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Electrifying branch certainly overdue
Addressing the Long Island Rail Road’s electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch east of Huntington is long overdue [“New change to electrify trains,” Editorial, Jan. 30].
This heavily traveled route has languished along with two other key LIRR branches as being a diesel-only line since its inception. The Oyster Bay branch and Montauk branch east of Babylon are the other two.
Long Islanders might remember what electrification from Hicksville to Ronkonkoma did in the late 1980s. Commuters from other diesel branches flocked to the center of the Island to take the new electric service. Two new trains had to be added the first week to handle the additional ridership. The reaction spoke volumes about what LIRR customers want — electric train service.
Except for two dual-mode trains to Penn Station, every rider on the Port Jefferson branch must change to an electric train somewhere, either Huntington, Hicksville or Jamaica.
Electrification of the Port Jefferson branch east of Huntington will cut down on the diesels’ impact on the environment while finally providing commuters with through service to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. Let’s get it going.
— Robert McDermott, Centereach
The writer retired as the LIRR superintendent for train movement and director of railroad operations for the East Side Access Project.
Latest impeach idea wastes time, money
It seems that the Republicans are still taking orders from former President Donald Trump. My congressman, Anthony D’Esposito, indicated he’d vote to approve articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas [“House panel to weigh Mayorkas impeachment,” News, Jan. 30].
Just what high crimes and misdemeanors did Mayorkas commit? This is a waste of time and money. Obviously, they are trying to appease Trump. It’s time to get back to working for the people, not petty grievances.
— Mary Alice Samboy, East Meadow
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