New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today thanked Metropolitan Transportation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Prendergast and Long Island Railroad President, Helena Williams for their decision to extend summer season weekend service between Ronkonkoma and Greenport by ten weeks so that it runs from April to November.

“While technically not in my Assembly district, this service investment shows that the MTA and LIRR are committed to expanding and improving service to the East End. I look forward to working with the railroad to continue to expand public transportation service and options on the South Fork.”

Other changes are on the horizon, including a $37.2 million expenditure from the 2012 New York State Budget for the Long Island Rail Road to purchase smaller, more reliable diesel “scoot” trains in 2014.

“Frequent and reliable transportation alternatives make it easier to get here and easier to move from hamlet to hamlet. This will help foster the growth of our local economy.”