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Dear Editor,

South Queens residents suffer the longest commutes in the nation and have been asking the City, State and MTA to restore rail service on the Rockaway Beach Branch right of way for years. Sadly, for reasons unknown, they continue to ignore this transformative opportunity, while the Mayor is trying to turn the whole thing into a park.

Even without congestion pricing, most people would prefer not to drive into Manhattan as the traffic, tolls, gas and high parking fees are enough of a deterrent. The stated justification for congestion pricing is to raise funds to invest in outer-borough infrastructure projects so motorists have an efficient, environmentally responsible way to get to the City. But if the MTA and elected officials continue to ignore obvious public transit opportunities like QueensLink, what are south Queens commuters getting out of congestion pricing other than another $15 tax?

Rick Horan