An editorial in the NY Times today states that the MTA should pursue funding for both the LIRR-Grand Central Link and a full-length Second Avenue Subway line, calling the projects a "down payment on the city's growth." Newsday has supported the same position for a number of weeks.

Debate over the 2nd Avenue line continued alongside ESTA's release of its MTA capital program proposal this week. Manhattan elected officials continued their pressure for a full-length subway based on RPA's MetroLink proposal at a Wednesday press conference. They were joined by elected officials from Queens and the Bronx, who expressed strong support for the services and connections MetroLink would offer to transit riders throughout the city.

At a City Council hearing on the issue, the MTA defended its proposal to build a 2nd Avenue tunnel from 63rd St to 125th Street, and route 2nd Ave. trains on the unused N and R tracks south of 63rd. Neither City Council members nor other advocates of transit expansion were convinced, however. NYC Transit's own Manhattan East Side Alternatives study shows the 63rd St.-125th St. project would do little to relieve overcrowding on the Lexington Line, reduce walking distances for many East Side residents or attract many new subway riders.