A new survey found that L train commuters would prefer the city's plan to completely shut down service for 18 months, rather than an alternative plan that would offer limited service but take three years to complete.

As News 12 has reported, the MTA plans to make extensive repairs along the L train line. The Canarsie tunnels were damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

The survey, conducted by Riders Alliance, a straphangers advocacy group, found that 77 percent of riders would prefer the complete shutdown.

The survey also found that straphangers want the MTA to increase transit alternatives. 

But at the L train station on Bedford Avenue, a number of commuters told News 12 that they would actually prefer the limited service.

"Seventy-seven percent of the riders probably live close to this area," says Brandis Holness. "When you are a guy like me that lives across town and works -- I need the train to be running partially so I can get to work on the weekends."

Transit officials will hold a public meeting on the issue Thursday in Canarsie at the Beraca Baptist Church on Flatlands Avenue.