The Regional Approach

Westbury—The $3,135,000 a year fare increase requested by the Long Island Rail Road again, demonstrates that Nassau’s mass transportation system is inadequate, archaic, uncoordinated and overpriced.

Despite ten years of favorable tax and financial treatment, the Long Island Rail Road remains unable to provide adequate, reasonably priced service. Public ownership of the Long Island Rail Road is the only solution to the needs of the commuting public.

The problems of mass transportation can only be solved by a regional approach. Therefore, I strongly favor the establishment of a Tri-State Transportation Authority, similar to the Port of New York Authority, to operate not only the Long Island Rail Road but other commuter railroads such as the New Haven, the New York Central commuter lines, the Jersey Central and the Port Authority operated Tran-Hudson line. This authority would be able to integrate these lines with the New York City transportation system, to provide coordinated, through service, and make efficient use of operating equipment.

Inter-Nassau bus service presents an even more dismal picture of public service because of the bus companies’ uncoordinated actions. Nassau should establish a Department of Transportation to operate the various local bus lines. This department could then provide for more north-south bus routes, coordinated scheduling, free transfers and reduced fare for the elderly, things which the private companies have been unable or unwilling to do.

Mass transportation is one of the counties' most pressing problems. Private efforts have failed to provide the reasonably priced, adequate services our county needs. The only solution is public ownership and operation designed to meet the needs of the community.

—Stanley J. Levy, Liberal Party Candidate for Congress, 4th C.D.