As hot weather signals the start of summer tourism season, it's time to encourage, rather than discourage, local travelers to experience Long Island, especially as fears grow that international travel may weaken. Yet, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has chosen this moment to discontinue its Long Island Rail Road tourism packages, a program known as MTA Away.

It's a misguided decision.

MTA spokesman Tim Minton told the editorial board that MTA Away was "costing the MTA significantly more than the $30,000 it generated." Minton wouldn't say how much money the program was losing. But given MTA Away's size and scope, it's likely minuscule in the context of a $20 billion agency.

While the MTA should always focus on reducing expenses and improving its bottom line, small efforts that carry big regional benefits are worth a small price. It doesn't make sense to shut down a program that's barely a blip on the authority's radar screen when that program, if done right, could produce significant economic ripple effects for Long Island, its small businesses and its key tourist attractions.

MTA officials say the program wasn't well-utilized. But a new report from state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli questioning MTA claims regarding Grand Central Madison-related increases in train service and noting that much of the expansion was in shuttle trains to Brooklyn, raises concerns about the contention that MTA Away wasn't worthwhile. If the program wasn't well-used, that likely has less to do with disinterest from tourists and more to do with a lack of marketing and publicity, along with other key limitations. For instance, MTA Away was accessible only to those who purchased paper tickets, a tiny sliver of LIRR riders. The program should have accommodated online tickets long ago. It also could have benefited from expanded marketing efforts and better partnerships with groups like Discover Long Island. Those issues are easily fixable, and shouldn't require a full shutdown when tourism is in full swing.

What's more, MTA officials should have discussed their concerns with tourism and political officials in advance. Long Island's thoughtful leaders and advocates likely could have found a better solution than ending the program altogether.

MTA officials say they plan to reintroduce an improved program in the future, though there's no timetable. They should exhibit greater urgency. That starts with working with Discover Long Island, now led by interim president and chief executive Mitch Pally — a former MTA board member. Pally would be an appropriate partner who understands the MTA's needs and the importance of Long Island tourism, and who could help develop an improved MTA Away.

The MTA constantly promotes the use of public transit and rightly celebrates the success of congestion pricing in getting people out of their cars. A robust MTA-driven tourism program, with appealing packages and broad publicity, fits right in, benefiting the LIRR, Long Island and all of our visitors.

MTA Away never should have gone away. It's time to bring it back.

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