NEW YORK - Passenger trains could one day connect Bay Ridge and Astoria.

The MTA has awarded a contract to an engineering firm to figure out the feasibility of bringing passenger service to a line currently only used by freight trains.

It's nearly 16 miles long and crosses or comes close to 19 subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road.

The MTA says the study will determine the costs of running subway, commuter rail, or light rail on the tracks.

The southern part of the track is owned by the Long Island Rail Road, and the northern part is owneed by CSX.