The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has officially opened a new Long Island Rail Road station in Yaphank, replacing a historic station that dated back to 1844. While transit officials say the $17 million investment will better serve eastern Suffolk County, some commuters and transit advocates question whether the station can reach its full potential without expanded train service.

The new station, located about three miles east of the former Yaphank station, is closer to William Floyd Parkway and Brookhaven National Laboratory, making it more accessible to residents and workers in the area.

"The investments we've made over the last several years have resulted in dramatic improvements to service and the communities we serve," LIRR President Rob Free said during the station's opening.

The original Yaphank station was the least-used stop in the entire Long Island Rail Road system. Officials hope the new location will attract more riders, but the station still faces many of the same operational challenges as its predecessor.

Like the old station, the new Yaphank stop is located on a single-track, non-electrified section of the Main Line east of Ronkonkoma. As a result, only eight or nine trains are scheduled to stop there each day, limiting its convenience for many commuters.

"The limited service has made it not the best option for me, so I tend to use the Ronkonkoma station a bit more," said Coram resident Peter Velez.

To address those concerns, the MTA has announced a new feasibility study examining the possibility of adding a second track or extending electrification east of Ronkonkoma. Either improvement could significantly increase train service to Yaphank and other communities along the branch.

Transit advocates say those investments would make a meaningful difference.

"You've got this brand-new station, but until they can figure out a way to get more service to it, it's not going to get its maximum benefit," said Gerard Bringmann, of the LIRR Commuter Council.

Regular service at the new Yaphank station begins Saturday. MTA officials expect preliminary results from the feasibility study to be available early next year.