'RAIL Act' calls for forensic audit of MTA, voting voice for LIRR riders

A group of state senators is looking to overhaul how the Long Island Rail Road operates.
From the platform of the Hickvsille LIRR station Friday, Democratic state senators announced the MTA Revitalization, Accountability, Improvement and Legitimization, or RAIL, Act.
"For too long the MTA has been a faceless organization while Long Island Rail Road riders have overpaid for their tickets and had subpar service," said state Sen. Jim Gaughran.
"Why does more and more money come from the pockets of riders and from our tax dollars but service keeps going backward?" asked state Sen. Todd Kaminsky.
The plan calls for an independent audit of the MTA and would give riders a spot on the MTA board.
Riders who spoke with News 12 say they're unsure whether the changes would lead to better service. But some said that change does need to happen, especially accountability for the MTA.
The state Senate has already passed the MTA RAIL Act. The senators at Friday's Hicksville event say they hope it will be included in the state budget.