The Staten Island Railway doesn't get the attention or the ridership of the city's subway system, but it's facing challenges of its own that the new head of the commuter line is eager to take on. He spoke with NY1 transit reporter Jose Martinez.

It may look like the subway, but the Staten Island Railway is far from its counterpart in the four other boroughs–and not just on the map.

Douglas Connett, the new head of the railway, is hoping he can change some of that.

"When I came here in 2012, I equated it to 30 years behind the times. I would say, in a lot of things, fortunately, that gives us the ability to leap in front. We could use the new technology," he said.

The cars on the railway that serves 24,000 people on weekdays have been running since the mid-1970s, but they'll be phased out starting in 2020.

The decrepit Nassau and Atlantic stations on the island's South Shore will be knocked down next year. They'll be replaced by a new Arthur Kill station, which will include parking for 150 cars.

Connett, who has more than 30 years of experience with the MTA, says he's looking forward to helping the railway modernize on all fronts.

That includes on the rails, where eight miles of track will be replaced starting in two years. Eight of the railway's 22 stations will get partial makeovers as well.

"State of good repair, we've gotten the funding that we've asked for. Politicians, the people, realize we need this for Staten Island," Connett said.

It's part of a larger effort to pump up ridership on a line where seats can be had during rush hour–wishful thinking for many subway riders.

"The experience is better, it doesn't get too crowded. It's not, like, too dirty. Obviously, it's not the subway, so it doesn't get too hot," said one rider.

Trains have started running more frequently in advance of added service on the Staten Island Ferry as well as an expected boost in ridership from new attractions and developments on the island.

"The Empire outlets, the wheel, some of the outside projects will stimulate," Connett said.

But nearly three years after Hurricane Sandy, the Railway is still feeling the effects of the storm, which flooded its Clifton Shop.

Still not fully functional, it will eventually be knocked down and replaced by a storm-proofed shop with cranes that can lift parts out of harm's way.