LETTER IN THE NEW YORK TIMES 8/11/99

     To "Woes of the Long Island Rail Road" should be added the most incredible routine scenarios: antiquated ticketing that includes scattered paper on trains from holes punched in tickets, no garbage on any trains, and overcrowding so severe that many passengers are forced to stand for an hour or more.  What is even more incredible is that passengers accept these conditions and the resulting stress on their health on a daily basis.

     Replacing hole punchers with pens, placing garbage pails on trains, and distributing cars to accommodate the number of passengers would help. More expensive solutions, like luxury cars for those willing to pay additional fare, computerized ticketing and more station parking, could attract passengers and reduce auto traffic.

Carol Goldberg