The principal goals of the East Side Access project are to:
•  Provide a direct and faster trip between Long Island and    East Midtown Manhattan and improve the quality of    service for LIRR customers;

•  Relieve LIRR train congestion in Penn Station;

•  Increase East River commuter rail tunnel capacity and    relieve serious overcrowding on LIRR trains to Penn    Station and NYCT’s Queens Boulevard and Flushing line    trains;

•  Promote economic development and quality of life in the    New York metropolitan region; and

•  Reduce traffic congestion and improve regional air    quality.