LIRR runs 1st full day of Grand Central Madison service

The new terminal added 271 trains, a 41% increase in service to the LIRR timetable.

News 12 Staff

Feb 27, 2023, 10:24 AM

Updated 647 days ago

Share:

Full service on the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Madison started Monday for commuters.
It is the first time people are able to use public transportation to get directly to the city's East Side without having to take the subway or transfer.
The new terminal added 271 trains, a 41% increase in service to the LIRR timetable. However, now there are fewer morning trains to Penn Station and more transfers at Jamaica.
Some community members and lawmakers on Long Island are calling for more express trains into Penn Station.
News 12 received mixed reviews about the new service from commuters.
Some commuters said access to the East Side is giving them up to an hour back by eliminating things like subway rides. Others say it is tacking on time to their commute.
Interim LIRR President Catherine Rinaldi greeted passengers as they arrived at Grand Central Madison and listened to concerns.
"We are still looking at things, looking to see who goes to which train, which trains are crowded and not so crowded, and making adjustments as we go," says Rinaldi.
Commuters are urged to give themselves plenty of time to navigate the new station.