LIRR service changes go into effect Tuesday: What to know
LONG ISLAND - Long Islanders may be returning to work after the Labor Day holiday weekend to a more convenient schedule, depending on where they’re traveling from.
The MTA has implemented a slew of service changes that will increase LIRR service to Penn Station, and add more direct service to Brooklyn.
What are the new service changes?
- During the morning rush hour, riders will now have direct service from the Far Rockaway, Long Beach, Hempstead and Huntington branches to Atlantic Terminal.
- The MTA is also changing which trains stop at certain stations in Queens, including Rosedale, Laurelton, Locust Manor and Queens Village, because ridership data shows more riders are commuting to Brooklyn from those locations.
- Service between Jamaica and Brooklyn will stay the same, with trains still running about every eight minutes between the two stations.
Commuters, so far, have expressed mixed reactions.
LIRR makes service adjustments to Grand Central Madison trains
The Long Island Rail Road has announced that is will be making service changes to trains heading to the new Grand Central Madison station after a bumpy first full week of service. The changes are aimed at alleviating crowding and simplifying the commute, as the agency has been blasted for not anticipating some of the first week's issues.
One man told FOX 5 NY his weekday trip from Jamaica to Mineola got trimmed by 12 minutes, while a woman said hers got extended by five stops.
Between 10:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekdays, and 7 a.m. on weekends, schedules will also be adjusted on all trains to and from Grand Central Madison.
Some of the trains will be rerouted to Penn Station to help riders who need to get home from late night sporting events or concerts, and to give crews more time to do maintenance in the tunnels.
LIRR making changes after Grand Central Madison commuter chaos
The first week of full service to the new Grand Central Madison station on the LIRR got off to a bumpy start with week, with complains from commuters over jam-packed trains and lack of service. Now, the LIRR is admitting it overestimated demand for direct service to Grand Central and is making significant service changes.
According to the MTA, the changes, first announced earlier this summer, come in response to customer feedback, especially after service at Grand Central Madison got off to a rocky start.
- RELATED: LIRR updated schedules take effect after overcrowding complaints
- RELATED: LIRR admits overestimating Grand Central Madison demand, making adjustments
Commuters complained of jam-packed trains which weren’t running often.