Plan to fix Penn Station problems could affect LIRR riders

<p>Amtrak says it plans to fix the aging infrastructure at Penn Station, which could mean further headaches for Long Island Rail Road riders.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 26, 2017, 10:44 PM

Updated 2,568 days ago

Share:

Plan to fix Penn Station problems could affect LIRR riders
Amtrak says it plans to fix the aging infrastructure at Penn Station, which could mean further headaches for Long Island Rail Road riders.
The company, which owns and operates Penn Station, says those fixes might result in more "delays and cancellations." After roughly 30 days during which multiple derailments and other incidents caused service disruptions to occur, Long Island commuters say they have had enough.
Vicky Ruggiere, of Wantagh, who travels eastbound on the LIRR, says the problems at Penn have affected her commute.
"A few weeks ago I couldn't get back, I had to have someone drive me home because of what was going on in Penn Station," she says.
The most recent incident happened Tuesday evening, when power problems in an East River tunnel caused delays, cancellations and even the suspension of all westbound LIRR service to Penn. Amtrak said the disturbance was due to a problem with an overhead power line.
On Wednesday, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board member Mitch Pally stopped a routine meeting before it ended to get an update on all of the problems LIRR commuters have faced.
The MTA's interim executive director says that after the first week in April, when problems were happening, they sent a letter to Amtrak requesting explanations and action. She says they hope to have the results from an inspection on Thursday.
Amtrak told News 12 in a statement that it will work with the LIRR and New Jersey Transit to "minimize service impacts."


More from News 12
2:09
Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

2:17
STORM WATCH: Thunderstorms possible Wednesday morning on LI

STORM WATCH: Thunderstorms possible Wednesday morning on LI

Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

0:26
Lindenhurst man sentenced to up to 40 years behind bars for burning women with clothing iron

Lindenhurst man sentenced to up to 40 years behind bars for burning women with clothing iron

1:47
Man accused of killing NYPD detective from Massapequa Park indicted on murder charges

Man accused of killing NYPD detective from Massapequa Park indicted on murder charges

0:54
SBU faculty senate votes to demand that all charges be dropped for 29 arrested at protest

SBU faculty senate votes to demand that all charges be dropped for 29 arrested at protest

1:39
Bee on the lookout: Bees are all the buzz at Shoreham-Wading River HS

Bee on the lookout: Bees are all the buzz at Shoreham-Wading River HS

0:44
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine addresses public safety, inflation in State of the County

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine addresses public safety, inflation in State of the County

2:27
Huntington Town Board hosting second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

Huntington Town Board hosting second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

1:38
Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

2:03
Made on Long Island: Roxy’s Ice Cream Truck

Made on Long Island: Roxy’s Ice Cream Truck

1:29
Police identify woman killed in Centereach hit-and-run

Police identify woman killed in Centereach hit-and-run

3:07
LI man mistakenly declared dead by Social Security, leading to severe consequences

LI man mistakenly declared dead by Social Security, leading to severe consequences

1:54
Nassau police arrest accused jewelry thief wanted across the world

Nassau police arrest accused jewelry thief wanted across the world

1:41
$400 million boost in federal funds coming for security at places of worship

$400 million boost in federal funds coming for security at places of worship

2:06
’Survivor’ exhibit highlights 18 local Holocaust survivors

’Survivor’ exhibit highlights 18 local Holocaust survivors

0:22
Police: Driver wanted in fatal New Cassel hit-and-run

Police: Driver wanted in fatal New Cassel hit-and-run

0:53
Glen Cove Hospital holds clap-in for nurses to kick off National Nurses Week

Glen Cove Hospital holds clap-in for nurses to kick off National Nurses Week

2:23
Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos