The Regional Plan Association proposed a "Cross-Nassau Light-Rail Link," in its 1996 third regional plan, a Region At Risk. The project would link the L.I. Railroad Oyster Bay and West Hempstead branches with a 3.3-mile restored right-of-way. This line used to run from West Hempstead to Mineola when LIRR service was more comprehensive. But passenger service ceased in the late 1930s, and freight passage ended in the fifties. Now, much of the right-of-way is gone and the LIRR plans an Oyster Bay branch service upgrade that would preclude use of the line by light rail.

Slightly to the east, however, transit planning appears more feasible. A new transit system is the linchpin for a scheme to consolidate and further develop a "Nassau Hub" comprising major institutions and office complexes (mostly in Hempstead) (see MTR 138). The present effort will determine which type of transit, if any, would suit the hub concept. U.S. Reps Carolyn McCarthy and Peter King are seeking support for the initiative in this year's federal transportation authorization.

North-south road expansion plans are much better developed. A $4.6 million NY State DOT study called "Long Island Transportation Plan 2000: Moving People, Moving Goods" will address north-south movement on Nassau routes like the Meadowbrook Parkway (the 1998-2002 Transportation Improvement Program lists a project to widen the parkway to five lanes through the Nassau Hub area). According to Newsday, cars using the Parkway grew by 18,000 a day in recent years.

This demand is also reflected in transit ridership -- north-south bus use is up on major routes, with the Freeport to Mineola route on its way to being the most heavily used bus route on Long Island.