Long Island Rail Road to restore normal train service by the end of March

After numerous complaints from commuters about reduced services, the Long Island Railroad announced that previous train times and services on all branches will be restored by the end of the month.

LIRR President Phil Eng said in a statement that previous scheduling timetables will return on March 29.

“We heard our customers' concerns about our new schedule loud and clear. As a result, we will restore our previous timetable," Eng said. "In the meantime, we will continue to strategically add additional trains and lengthen trains to meet evolving ridership levels. 

Commuters that use the Far Rockaway branch expressed their displeasure with the service reduction that the Metropolitan Transit Authority said was in part because of a decrease in ridership due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hewlett resident Jared Greene said that the decrease in available trains has been a hassle for him and his wife.

“A Penn Station to Far Rockaway train must be added back sometime between 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. ASAP,” he said. “My wife had to take the 5:45 p.m. train from Penn to Valley Stream earlier tonight (March 8), which was packed with standing room only. Instead of her usual seven minute walk home from the train, she had to take a taxi.” Greene noted that a 5:45 p.m. from Penn Station on the Far Rockaway line was eliminated in February.

Greene added that the previous train schedule should be installed as soon as possible. “This is a big lie and ruse to pacify and placate riders,” he said. “Reading between the lines, service will not be returning to prior scheduling. Clarification is needed now, not at the end of the month.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee has been adamant against the service reduction since it went into effect on March 8. He urged commuters to send photos of crowded trains.

“The MTA’s decision to reverse cuts on the LIRR and restore normal service by the month’s end will provide Long Islanders with the sane, safe and dignified commutes they deserve,” said Kaminsky, a Democrat who represents the Five Towns. “This victory for riders happened because we worked together to make our voices heard. I will continue to fight for LIRR riders and hold the MTA accountable.”