Newsday: LIRR to use train equipped with laser to clear leaves from tracks

Laser leaf removal is a new tool the LIRR is testing to keep falling leaves off the tracks.
The LIRR is running a train today, equipped with a high-powered laser.

Newsday says it will be used to incinerate leaf residue that can make for slippery conditions on the tracks.

The train will make its first regular run this afternoon on the Hempstead branch.

An ongoing deal to run the laser train could cost the LIRR about $250,000.